Architecture Practice Exam

When was the first skyscraper built, and where did it take place?

1. Chicago, 1885

2. St. Louis, 1890-1891

3. New York, 1902

4. Los Angeles, 1923

The correct answer is: St. Louis, 1890-1891

The first skyscraper is widely recognized to have been built in Chicago in 1885. This groundbreaking structure, known as the Home Insurance Building, was designed by architect William Le Baron Jenney. It was the first tall building to use a steel frame, allowing it to rise to ten stories without compromising stability. This innovation marked a significant milestone in architectural history and set the foundation for the development of skyscrapers in urban environments. While St. Louis, New York, and Los Angeles all have notable high-rise buildings constructed in the respective years mentioned, none of them can claim the title of the first skyscraper. The Home Insurance Building's design and construction were pivotal in establishing the principles of soaring structures that would dominate skylines in the following decades. Understanding this context helps clarify why Chicago in 1885 is regarded as the birthplace of the skyscraper.