Before the World Trade Center

Before the devastating events of September 11 2001 changed New York forever, the World Trade Center and its iconic Twin Towers were a much-loved Manhattan landmark and a defining feature of the New York skyline for nearly three decades.

We've gathered together these images as a tribute to the World Trade Center as it was: architectural masterpiece, New York landmark, pop culture icon and a working building filled with everyday New Yorkers and visitors from around the world.

This aerial view of Manhattan in 1919 shows the 22-storey Hudson Terminal building. The Hudson Terminal was a railway station and office skyscraper - at one time the largest office building in the world. It was acquired by the Port Authority in the 1960s and demolished as part of the development of the World Trade Center.

Find out more about the Hudson Terminal