Kahnawake Mohawk Fastens Milestone Bolt at ‘Freedom Tower’

On Monday Steve Cross, a Kahnawake Native, made history when he fastened the bolt that turned One World Trade Center, located in lower Manhattan, into the tallest skyscraper in New York City. The 36-year-old ironworker was mere feet from a group of reporters gathered to document the moment the building’s height would overtake the Empire State Building.

Cross is a one of a long line of Mohawk ironworkers who have built the towers that make up New York City’s Skyline. Cross’ father, grandfather, and two great grandfathers all were ironworkers, and he works right next to his cousin Adam, also from Kahnawake.

This landmark held special significance because it fell on just the day before the anniversaries of Osama Bin Laden’s death. The Freedom Tower as its been dubbed, currently stands some 1250 feet (381m) high, with the finished height expected to be 1776 feet (541.3m) and 104 floors, Counting the needle at the top after completion should make One World Trade Center the tallest building in the United States, even taller than the Willis Building in Chicago, when it is completed next year.

In an interview Monday evening, Cross said, “I know a lot of people that have a lot of ties to this building and this site. Everybody wanted it, and to finally have it done – and then to be a part of it, it’s good. Actually it’s great.”

Mohawks have more than a 100-year history building North Americas buildings and bridges, quickly becoming known for their fearlessness when walking high in the air, which impressed their employers. With generations to come following in the tradition, we will be part of New York’s history for ages to come.