The Forgotten New York Building That Inspired The Eiffel Tower

The old Latting Observatory

Latting Observatory, left, Crystal Palace, right (Public domain)

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic buildings in the world. It is the international face of Paris and, indeed, France itself. The Eiffel Tower was designed and built for the 1889 World’s Fair as a testament to architectural beauty and form. The building was supposed to be a temporary attraction, but its uniqueness and popularity demanded that it remain a part of the Paris skyline. Today, the Eiffel Tower attracts roughly 5 million visitors per year.

While the Eiffel Tower needs no introduction, it was inspired by another building that briefly graced the 19th-century skyline of New York City. In 1853, another lattice tower was built for a different exhibition over thirty years before the Eiffel Tower. This tower was built by a man by the name of Waring Latting, who lent his name to what would be known as the Latting Observatory.

The Latting Observatory was the tallest building in New York City for a year, and the similarities between itself and the Eiffel Tower are immediately apparent. But the Latting Observatory has faded into historical obscurity while the Eiffel Tower remains a cultural constant.

Here is what happened to the Latting Observatory that caused it to be forgotten.

The Tallest Building In New York City

(Public domain)

In 1853, the Latting Observatory Tower was built for the Exhibition of the Industry of All Nations. The building was erected next to the famous Crystal Palace near Fifth Ave in Manhattan. At the time, it was the tallest building in the city, and its spire soared over the surrounding area. For the tourists and visitors to New York, the tower was a welcome sight and a landmark that everyone could easily navigate by.

Like the Eiffel Tower that followed, the Latting Observatory had multiple observation decks that were open to the public. People could climb up a winding staircase and gain stunning views of the surrounding city. On a clear day, visitors could easily see New Jersey, Staten Island, and Queens from the…