Time-lapse shows One World Trade Center view from 1500s to present

Starting May 29, 515 years of history will unfold before your eyes in 47 seconds as you travel upwards in the elevators leading to One World Observatory.

The elevator leading to the observation deck atop One World Trade Center is the third highest in America. In this case though, the view isn't just impressive because of the vantage point, but because the elevator's walls are covered with massive video screens depicting a realistic computer generated skyline that develops the higher you travel. By the time you reach your destination, you'll have seen everything from the city's beginnings as a marshland, to the steeples of Dutch settlers, and finally, high-rises.

See a NY Times preview of the incredible vista in the video below.