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The World Trade Centers in an Evolving Skyline

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The following is a guest post by photographer Camilo José Vergara and Helena Zinkham, Chief, Prints & Photographs Division.

Skyscrapers at the World Trade Center site have dominated the New York City skyline since the 1970s. Except for the gaping hole left by the September 11th terrorist attack in 2001, which destroyed the twin towers, killing nearly 3,000 people. A unique series of photographs created by Camilo Vergara over 45 years can deepen your understanding of the roles played by both the old and the new World Trade Centers. These soaring towers seem to orient a whole city, like the center of a compass.

The Tribute in Light, an art installation near the World Trade Center site commemorating the 9/11 attacks. Photograph by Camilo Vergara, 2010, http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/vrg.00034
The Tribute in Light, an art installation near the World Trade Center site commemorating the 9/11 attacks. Photograph by Camilo Vergara, 2010, http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/vrg.00034