The building that became a symbol of the American can-do spirit, the "Cathedral of Dreams" only narrowly came to be constructed. Conceived in the 1920s, plans for the Empire State building were almost scrapped when the Great Depression struck. But the visionaries behind the structure forged ahead at an unheard-of rate -- two stories a day. From blueprints to completion, this program traces the story of one of the nation's most beloved buildings.

At a time when American dreams were in short supply, an iconic engineering marvel rose up through the New York City skyline and inspired a nation. The History Channel® brings you the remarkable story behind the world-renowned Empire State Building.

Planned during the 1920's, construction on what would become the world's tallest man-made structure was almost grounded by the Depression. In spite of the country's economic troubles, intrepid construction workers prevailed, carefully assembling the building's magnificent steel frame at an astonishing pace of four-and-a-half stories per week. In just over a year the miraculous structure was finished, and a monumental symbol of the indomitable American spirit was forever etched into the New York City landscape.

From the first plans to the final rivet, explore this captivating and inspirational tale of the great Empire State Building.