Steve Cross, a member of the Kahnawake First Nation in Quebec, made history on Monday as he carried out a long tradition of Mohawk ironworkers in New York City.

Cross, 36, bolted a steel column into place at the Freedom Tower at One World Trade Center, making it the tallest building in the city. At 1,776 feet when complete, the tower will also be the tallest in the U.S.

“I know a lot of people that have a lot of ties to this building and this site,” Cross told The Globe and Mail. “Everybody wanted it, and to finally have it done – and then to be a part of it, it’s good. Actually it’s great.”

Cross's father, grandfather and both of his great-grandfathers were ironworkers in the city. His cousin is also working on the building.

Get the Story:
Quebec Mohawk turns Freedom Tower into New York City’s tallest skyscraper (The Globe and Mail 5/1)

Related Stories:
WNYC: Fewer Mohawks are joining the ironworking industry (04/06)
WNYC: Mohawk ironworkers maintain tradition in New York (3/20)