Ferris Wheel IV

The world's first Ferris Wheel was designed by engineer George W. Ferris as an attraction at the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago; organizers wanted something to rival the Eiffel Tower from the 1889 World's Fair in Paris. Ferris was a bridge builder and founder of a company that tested railroad materials. Notably, he was inspired by the potential in structural steel, evidenced by the ride that topped 264 feet. The original cost was an amazing $380,000; rides cost fifty cents and the Ferris Wheel made an even more amazing $726,805.50 during the run of the fair.

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