The Ferris wheel, which for many years was the mainstay of the carnival, has been reinvented as modern attraction. These re-branded “observation wheels” are now major, landmark tourist attractions in some of the world’s most famous cities.
The First Ferris Wheel- The Chicago Wheel
The organizers of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair desired an iconic centerpiece that would rival the Eiffel Tower, the focus of the 1889 Paris Exposition (World’s Fair) four years earlier. After dismissing plans to construct a larger iron tower, similar to Eiffel’s, city officials realized that an original piece of engineering, which would show off America’s abilities, was needed. George Ferris came forward with the creation of a novel and original piece of engineering, the Chicago Wheel.
The ride was the biggest attraction at the world fair and before it closed almost one and a half million people had ridden this first revolutionary wheel. Much like the Eiffel Tower, the Chicago Wheel was only intended as a temporary exhibit. However, unlike Eiffel’s famous tower the wheel was first relocated and eventually demolished in 1906. Although George Ferris’ original wheel was destroyed his legacy lives on through the hundreds of wheels around the world that bare his name.
Since the construction of George Ferris’ first wheel similar structures have become popular attractions at carnivals and fairs in cities all over the world.
The Modern Ferris Wheel - The Observation Wheel
The beginning of the 21st century saw the basic idea of the Ferris wheel revamped and rejuvenated. Built for the millennium, the London Eye was the first of the rebranded “observation wheels” to be constructed. The London Eye’s innovative engineering placed the cars on the outside of the wheel, allowing for continuously unobstructed views while the wheel is in motion. Similarly to Ferris’ original wheel, the London Eye focused the world’s attention on the city and was hugely popular. This overwhelming success, and public support, has led to cities around the world constructing copycat wheels.
The Singapore Flyer is currently the world’s tallest observation wheel although the Great Berlin Wheel and the Beijing Great Wheel look set to go taller as the future popularity of the Ferris wheel looks secure.
The World's Most Interesting Ferris Wheels
- Chicago Wheel – The world’s first Ferris wheel. (Destroyed 1906)
- Drive-In-Wheel – Exactly what it sounds like, a drive in Ferris wheel in Antwerp, Holland.
- London Eye – The tallest Ferris wheel in Europe.
- Singapore Flyer – The tallest Ferris wheel in the world.
- Southern Star – The tallest Ferris wheel in the southern hemisphere. (Currently closed after cracks in the metalwork were found.)
- Texas Star – The tallest Ferris wheel in North America.
- Tianjin Eye – The tallest, and possibly only, Ferris wheel built over a bridge.
- Wiener Riesenrad – Constructed in 1897, one of the oldest Ferris wheels still in use.
Unlike Gustav Eiffel's Tower that still stands today as a reminder of his engineering brilliance and a symbol of Paris, George Ferris' original innovative wheel no longer exists. Although the Chicago Wheel has long since disappeared, Ferris' legacy lives on, as Ferris wheels continue to entertain people all across the globe. The latest incarnation of the Ferris' design, the observation wheel, will ensure the popularity of the Ferris wheel for years to come.
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