Domination at the Top

Industrial output permeates all aspects of the American economy, supported by increasing steel production. Business is booming everywhere, and money is flooding into urban corporate headquarters.

Huge new buildings tower over major downtown areas, rising up to 20 stories on steel skeletons. Sunlight is entirely blocked from major downtown areas during much of the day. On upper floors, however, the view is grand.

Stock markets and commodity centers are becoming increasingly important. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, still in use today, is created to serve as a measure of the largest of the corporate giants. Corporations are king.
First Business Towers, 1910

  First Business Towers
When the Dow Jones company first begins computing averages for the New York Stock Exchange, it focuses on just the dozen largest railroad companies By 1910, railroads are still the largest component of the Dow, but are closely followed by big manufacturers, including the steel producers. Many are already so large that they can finance their own downtown high-rise buildings.

Downtown Goes Vertical, 1910

  Downtown Goes Vertical
America's biggest cities continue to be the important transportation hubs. Increasingly, however, regional manufacturing centers are also growing in size and importance. Pittsburgh is the most prominent example of this trend. With all the orders pouring in for Pittsburgh steel, deposits in Pittsburgh banks are also growing, and high-rise buildings are the latest trend in development projects (right). Growing cities attract new residents, creating an ever-increasing demand for downtown office and retail space.


Business interiors, 1910

  The Corporate Look
The interiors of the new corporate towers emphasize sumptuous elegance. Public lobbies and reception areas are showpieces, rivaling the splendor of hotels and retail giants. Boardrooms, lounges and upstairs offices mirror the look of the finest residences. This includes such touches as grand pianos, fine wood paneling and luxurious upholstered seating.