Historical Figure
George Washington Gale Ferris
1859–1896
American civil engineer (1859–1896)
Talk to George Washington Gale Ferris
Have a conversation with this historical figure through AI
Biography
George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. was an American civil engineer. He is mostly known for creating the original Ferris Wheel for the 1893 Chicago World's Columbian Exposition.
Timeline
The story of George Washington Gale Ferris, told in moments.
His Ferris Wheel opened at the Chicago World's Fair. 264 feet tall, 36 cars, 60 passengers each. It was the American answer to the Eiffel Tower. He'd pitched it and everyone said it would collapse.
The wheel carried 1.4 million riders during the fair. Ferris made almost nothing. The fair's organizers kept most of the revenue through legal maneuvers.
Artifacts (3)
Sir, I'm afraid you'll come to regret not taking my advice.
ed Scott to kill ponies for food and advance the depot to 80°S, which Scott refused to do. Oates is reported as saying to Scott, "Sir, I'm afraid you'll come to regret not taking my advice." On its...
to reach the South Pole, and to secure for the British Empire the honour of this...
edition, neither they nor the Royal Society were in charge this time. In his expedition prospectus, Scott stated that its main objective was "to reach the South Pole, and to secure for the British...
I tried to be impartial in giving credit to my companions who one and all labour...
with an apology over the issue, Scott expressed his regret at the nature of the previous letter and stated, "I tried to be impartial in giving credit to my companions who one and all laboured honestly...
More from the Industrial
Explore what happened on the days that shaped George Washington Gale Ferris's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.