On November 3, 2014, the tallest skyscraper in the U.S. opened in New York City. For many Americans, the 104-story One World Trade Center is more than a skyscraper. It represents hope after one of the darkest days in our nation’s history.
The building is close to where the Twin Towers of the original World Trade Center once stood. On September 11, 2001, the towers collapsed after terrorists flew two planes into them. (Terrorists are people who use violence to spread fear or gain power.)
That same morning, another plane crashed into the Pentagon, the U.S. military headquarters near Washington, D.C. A fourth plane crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Nearly 3,000 people were killed that day, now known as 9/11. That includes more than 400 firefighters and other first responders. It was the deadliest attack ever on American soil. Still, the country vowed to rebuild after the tragedy.