World Financial Center: New York’s Financial Hub

Built in 1973, the World Financial Center embodies the power of the American economy. A site forever marked by the 2001 attacks.

What You Need to Know About the World Financial Center

In the heart of the Financial District, the World Financial Center bears the mark of the September 11, 2001 attacks. This is where the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center once stood. Completed in 1973, these two towers were the tallest buildings in the world at the time: 417 m (1,368 ft) for World Trade Center 1 and 413 m (1,355 ft) for World Trade Center 2.
350 companies had offices in the World Trade Center towers, and about 50,000 people worked there.
The September 11, 2001 attacks caused both towers to collapse, leaving a massive void in this part of Manhattan. It took more than 10 years for the site, long called “Ground Zero,” to come back to life.
Why was the place called “Ground Zero”? The term refers to the site of an explosion, particularly a nuclear one—the point where damage is most severe. The expression was later applied to the New York attacks.

After more than 10 years of reconstruction, the World Trade Center site is now home to a vast memorial at the base of One World Trade Center. The memorial features two reflecting pools set within the footprints of the original Twin Towers, with water cascading down their sides. Around the edges, you’ll find the names of approximately 3,000 people who died in the September 11, 2001 attacks.
The plaza also houses the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Built beneath the footprints of the former World Trade Center, the museum documents the events of that day. It’s well worth a visit.
Just steps away, don’t miss St. Paul’s Chapel. This modest chapel served as a relief center during the rescue efforts in September 2001 and now functions as a memorial.