Did you know that a Pittsburgher invented the Ferris Wheel? Read on for today’s #HistoryLunchBreak! #MuseumFromHome

After Gustave Eiffel wowed the world with his tower of steel at the Paris Expo in 1889, American organizers of the 1893 World Columbian Exposition in Chicago immediately searched for an iconic attraction that would eclipse the Eiffel Tower.

George Ferris, a 33-year-old Pittsburgh engineer, responded to the planners’ call for a bold and unique structure. He proposed a mammoth revolving wheel – similar to a bicycle wheel – that would take visitors 250 feet in the air for a bird’s-eye view of the expo below.

Fair directors originally dismissed his idea as impossible, but agreed to let Ferris try to build the daring ride. The result: A $400,000 wheel of steel with 36 railroad car-sized gondolas, carrying up to 2,000 passengers.

The ride was a huge hit, with more than a million fairgoers paying 50 cents to enjoy two revolutions and 20 minutes of breathtaking views.

PHOTO: Ferris Wheel at 1893 World’s Fair.

The Ferris Wheel was unanimously dubbed the “mechanical wonder of the fair.” It demonstrated the principles of the cantilevered bridge and American engineering prowess, astounding visitors from around the world.

Ferris’ attraction was so popular that organizers of the St. Louis World’s Fair brought the ride back in 1904. More than 100 years later, Ferris Wheels continue to delight riders throughout the world.

Learn about more Pittsburgh innovations on our Making History blog. https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/blog/western-pennsylvania-history/five-surprising-pittsburgh-innovations