Final answer:
The height of buildings in the mid 1800's was limited to 5-6 stories due to geographical constraints, rising cost of real estate, and the lack of practicality in building taller structures without elevators.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the mid 1800's, the height of buildings was limited to 5-6 stories due to several factors. First, cities like New York and Chicago were limited in their outward growth due to geographical constraints such as rivers and coastlines. This led to a need for vertical growth, as there was limited space available. Second, the cost of real estate in city centers was increasing, making upward growth more attractive. Finally, the invention of the elevator in 1889 made it more practical to build taller structures.