The Twin Towers, also known as the World Trade Center, were a symbol of American prosperity and innovation. Located in Lower Manhattan, New York City, the Twin Towers were completed in 1973 and stood as the tallest buildings in the world until their tragic destruction on September 11, 2001.
The Twin Towers consisted of two identical towers, each standing at 110 stories tall. The towers were designed by architect Minoru Yamasaki and were constructed with a unique steel frame and curtain wall system. The towers were also equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including a computerized building management system and a sophisticated fire safety system.
The Twin Towers were not only an architectural marvel, but they also served as a hub for international commerce and finance. The towers housed over 430 companies and were home to some of the world's largest financial institutions, including the New York Stock Exchange and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
On September 11, 2001, the Twin Towers were targeted by terrorists who hijacked two commercial airplanes and flew them into the towers. The impact of the planes caused massive damage to the buildings, and within hours, both towers collapsed, killing nearly 3,000 people.