A lot of inventors were born and worked in Chicago. Many of them managed to become world-known. For example, George Ferris, an inventor who designed and built a real engineering miracle. It impressed the whole world and very soon became the main recreational spot of the city. Learn more at ichicago.net.
Mastering engineering
George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. was born in Nevada in 1859. After graduating from high school in Oakland (California), he entered Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy (New York).
He successfully graduated from the university and received an engineering degree in 1881. Ferris quickly found a job in Pittsburgh, specializing in the construction of steel frames for bridges and tunnels.
Beat Paris
George Ferris visited the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. Then he got an idea to build a structure that would surpass the Eiffel Tower and present it at the exhibition.
Having been inspired, George decided to implement his idea. That same evening, he drafted a large rotating Ferris Wheel, which very soon would become the most exciting attraction in Chicago.
The next morning, Ferris presented his idea to the Chicago committee. Previously, they had already heard about small wooden wheels that began to appear in various recreation spots. However, after seeing the large Ferris Wheel, the commission called him insane. He was refused in the implementation of the project.
A few weeks later, he returned to the committee again. The man managed to convince several fellow engineers to approve his design. In addition, in a short period of time, George found large investors who were ready to cover all the construction costs. They gave about $400,000. Realizing that Ferris had a strong desire to create a giant wheel, the commission approved his request.
Features and opening of the Chicago giant
George Ferris spent $25,000 on the creation of drawings and the development of exact specifications of the wheel, which was a huge amount of money at the time.
The inventor created the Ferris Wheel based on the model of a bicycle wheel. Steel beams served as spokes that supported and balanced the shape of the wheel. Its axle rested on two steel towers. The wheel was 75 meters high and weighed 2000 tons. The weight of the main axle was 71 tons. The largest piece of steel ever forged was used for it.
Its 36 cars could accommodate up to 40 people. So, 1,440 people could view the beauty of the city simultaneously.
The wheel was driven by a 1,000 HP engine powered by a steam boiler.
The opening of this unique attraction took place on June 21, 1893, causing a real sensation among the visitors of the exhibition.
The visitors paid 50 cents for 20 minutes (the same price as an entrance ticket to the exhibition). Over 1 million people visited the Ferris Wheel during its operation.
After the exhibition ended, the owners of large resorts decided to steal Ferris’ idea. Even worse, the inventor believed that the show’s management had robbed him of his investors and a legitimate share of the $750,000 in profits the attraction had brought in.
Unfortunately, George Ferris spent the next two years after the show in lawsuits. His heart couldn’t withstand the stress and he died at the end of 1896.
However, his name continues to live on in other Ferris Wheels that can be found in almost every amusement park around the world.
The fate of the Chicago Wheel is also sad. It was closed in the spring of 1894. In 1895, it was reopened in Lincoln Park, Chicago. In 1904, the wheel was transported to St. Louis for the World’s Exposition and demolished afterward.