Chicago Had the Original Ferris Wheel

The first Ferris Wheel Dominated the Chicago skyline in 1893.

I recently was awed by the story of George Washington Ferris, and his creation of a 250 ft diameter Ferris Wheel, made to outdo the previous amazing world sculpture, the Eiffel Tower. George was a steel engineer from Pittsburgh, who’s company was in charge of inspecting all the steel used in the fair. A call went out for something unique, daring, and original that would entertain and yet be the icon for this World Exposition. The result was a ride with 36 cars that could hold 60 people each, for a 20 min ride overlooking the Fair Grounds. Breathtaking!!

George’s brilliant idea was the crowning glory of the fair, yet he didn’t receive fame and glory. He had invested $25,000 of his own money to be sure all the safety requirements were considered. Then he didn’t get paid all that was due him from the fair. He created the wheel at age 33, but died in debt at 37, from typhoid fever.

Yet his name lives on as country fairs, carnivals, and amusement parks nationwide open their doors each summer to the world renown Ferris Wheel. The original ran for 19 weeks, and gave a thrill ride to 1.4 million people for 50 cents each. But I have to wonder, is there an American anywhere who has never ridden a Ferris Wheel since that first one 122 years ago??? And Today, huge Ferris Wheels, Observation Wheels, Transportable Wheels, Double and Triple Wheels, and Coaster Wheels, can be found in 11 countries world wide. George’s legacy lives on, and on, and on.