A Brief History
On November 22, 1896, George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr., the inventor of the Ferris Wheel, died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania of Typhoid Fever. Ferris was only 37 years old.
Digging Deeper
Ferris had been born in 1859 in a town called Galesburg, Illinois, a town founded by George Washington Gale. The Ferris family cleverly named their newborn son after the town’s founder. The Ferris clan moved to Nevada, and Ferris attended the California Military Academy (Oakland) where he graduated in 1876. Ferris was no slouch in the academic department, and graduated from the prestigious Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Connecticut) in 1881 with a degree in Civil Engineering.
When Ferris heard about the Chicago, Illinois World’s Columbian Exposition scheduled for 1893, he went to Chicago to try his hand at the challenge of creating a monument that would surpass the Eiffel Tower of Paris. Ferris set about to create his namesake wheel, something he felt would “Out-Eiffel Eiffel.” Expo directors feared for the safety of people that would ride the giant wheel, but Ferris managed to push those fears aside and build his creation. Not your run of the mill carnival ride, this mighty wheel needed investors to cough up $400,000 to have it built (a lot of money in those days!). This giant wheel was 264 feet tall (taller than any other exhibit) and had 36 cars, each with 40 revolving chairs that could hold up to 60 people. Total capacity of the wheel at one time was 2160 passengers! About 38,000 people a day rode the Ferris Wheel, each ride lasting 20 minutes. The non-stop part of the ride was 9 minutes, with the other 11 minutes taken by loading and unloading passengers.
The wheel stood past the end of the Exposition, and was demolished in 1906 after about 2.5 million people had ridden on it. A ticket to ride the mechanical marvel cost 50 cents. Show organizers (allegedly) cheated Ferris out of his share of the profits, and he spent the next couple years in court trying to get his money. The immense ride was dismantled and moved to Lincoln Par, Chicago after the Exposition, and then taken apart and rebuilt for the 1904 St. Louis (Missouri) World’s Fair. It was there that it was dismantled for the last time in 1906.
Ferris wheels have become a staple amusement park and carnival ride across the world, and even indoor examples exist. Back in the 1960’s at Chippewa Lake Park, Ohio, I had the experience of riding on “The World’s Fastest Ferris Wheel.” Of course, it broke down and my sobbing sister and I were trapped high above the park for over an hour before they got it running again. The park closed in 1978, but the skeleton of the Ferris wheel still stands, sans cars.
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Historical Evidence
For more information, please see…
Barretta, Gene and Monica Kulling. Sky High: George Ferris’s Big Wheel (Step into Reading). Random House Books for Young Readers, 2016.
Kraft, Betsy Harvey and Steven Salerno. The Fantastic Ferris Wheel: The Story of Inventor George Ferris. Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), 2015.
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="14929 https://www.historyandheadlines.com/?p=14929">89 Comments
Thats sad but the good thing is he gave people something to enjoy and have fun and he will always be remembered by that.
It’s great to see that he wanted to created something fun for many people to experience.
It’s crazy to me how big the first ferris wheel was built.
A lot of my friends go to this closed down park and take pictures on the Ferris wheel. I never knew the name of the person who invented the Ferris wheels name was Ferris. I hope to one day see this abandoned park.
When I visited my friend in Mississippi, we went to a state fair. She ended up convincing me to get on the ferris wheel and we ended up stuck on there for 30 minutes. The most terrifying 30 minutes of my life.
It is awesome to see that he was young when he invented the ferris wheel. It is a tragedy that he passed away when he was only 37.
It amazes me that the first ferris wheel was so large!
I am upset that the first Ferris Wheel was dismantled so many times and eventually never put back together again. It would be a site to see such a large Ferris Wheel that would be a more iconic sight then the Eiffel Tower.
It seems that the investors spent wisely on the invention of the Farris Wheel.
I never knew how impressive the first Ferris wheel really was! The volume of people that could ride it was extremely impressive!
This article appealed to me on a personal level. For the last two years, I have worked with my best friend as a concessionaire in the carnival business. We travel state-wide to county fairs and festivals, so I have had quite the exposure to carnival rides. I had never heard of the abandoned amusement park, and it has officially been added to my list of future explorations!
I am not that big of a fan of Ferris wheels. But I am so surprised how much the first ferris wheel cost to made
It is good to build Ferris Wheels.
What I thought was amazing was how much traveling he and his family did back in the late 1800’s. They went from one side of the nation to the other. I wonder if they took the railway?
I had seen photos of the original at the World’s Fair in Chicago, but I had no idea of the actual scale, the fact that one car held 60 people is absolutely insane! It really must have been a sight to behold in person.
It is too bad they dismantled the ferris wheel. It would be great to see as an exhibit. I never knew the sheer size and amount of people it could hold. An engineering feat at the time!
The size of his Ferris wheel almost seems unreal! One would think that it would be on display somewhere, due to it being so huge and such an engineering innovation at the time it was built.
Ferris wheels are practically a staple to county fairs and amusement parks. I couldn’t imagine not seeing one at the fair or Cedar Point. The Ferris Wheel will be around for some time longer too, in my opinion.
This ferris wheel sounds like it has the same dimensions of the permanent ferris wheel that stands in downtown Seattle, WA that I got to ride last March when I visited. I couldn’t begin to imagine how terrifying it must have been for the people to get on the first ferris wheel ride, considering that I was scared on a stable, modernized version of Ferris’ design!
I like the ferris wheel at the Cleveland IX Center. Its cool because its indoors and once you get to the top, you can see the airport and other parts of the city on a clear day. The ferris wheel at Cedar Point has a great view too, but what ride there don’t.
I have only ridden a couple of Ferris Wheels over my lifetime but the best was the one at Cedar Point. I am not a huge fan of Ferris Wheels though because the lines were always long and it always seemed like it took forever to get it going because you had to wait for all of the cars to get loaded. It was the best though to see from so high up!
I hate the Ferris Wheel. The thought of being stuck all the way at the top makes my stomach turn. And the kids that sit in them and rock back and forth. I can’t do it!!!
Amazing such an iconic was built during that time and did not survive. Awesome how far ferris wheels have come since that time.
I think it is remarkable how an invention from 1893 has to this day maintained its basic structure. Sure some modern day improvements have been made, but the design has stayed the same for the most part. one ferris wheel I would like to ride one day is The London Eye in London, England.
I had no idea that the Ferris wheel was created by a Mr. Ferris. The most amazing thing about the first Ferris wheel is that it held a whopping 2,160 passengers. This was a great invention, as the Ferris wheel is a great American icon.
I can’t believe how large the first Ferris wheel was. That seems very scary, especially for that time period. My favorite Ferris wheel is at a close by amusement park right over the state line in Erie, PA. The name of the park is Waldameer and they have a Ferris wheels that overlooks the lake when you are at the highest point of the ride.
I have always been scared of heights so riding on a Ferris Wheel was completely out of the question, and definitely seeing how big it is. They are still a big part of all the amusement parks today and the cost to build one is very expensive.
The Ferris wheel is still a great ride. The only part of the ride I do not like is how the carriages rock back and forth. I especially would not like to ride it after being disassembled and rebuilt.
Ferris wheels are an important part of any fair or amusement park. They provide a certain nostalgia that other attractions simply cannot compare to. I love riding the ferris wheel at Cedar point it has a very impressive view from the top.
There is no way I will get on a Ferris Wheel because of my fear of heights but the idea of it is really cool. I wish I wasn’t afraid so I could oversee an amusement park.
John,
I have a fear of height also but I still got on a Ferris wheel and enjoyed it. Just like l the other rides you go high but I still did it even with the fear. You need to try their is nothin better than a ride on a Ferris wheel.
Dear John, I did not like heights, but then one week, I went with a friend to a series of amusement parks from Cedar Point to Canada’s Wonderland (we rode more rollecoasters that week than probably most of the rest of my life combined) with a helicopter ride over Niagrara Falls in between. I have not had any fear of flying or riding rides since, although I do get headaches now when I ride certain rides. Sincerely, Dr. Zar
Once again someone doesn’t get what they deserve, Ferris created the Ferris wheel and other people got rich of his creation. Ferris died at a young age and never got to see his creation at every amusement park around the world.
the ferris wheel is an amazing creation. I love ridding on the ferris wheel and look at all the rides thee is now and what we can choose from. The great ferris wheel got us going and we enjoy the ferris wheel still today.
Holly Crap, A ticket to ride the mechanical marvel cost 50 cent, thats it. Ferris Wheels are now in mostly every amusement park around to this day.
I like going on ferris wheels when I go to parks. One of the greatest inventions ever.
Not a fan of slowly rising, falling, and dangling from great heights at slow speeds so ferris wheels are not my thing but the original sounds massive! The London Eye only holds around 800 people at once.
George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr., had a good idea when he invented the Ferris Wheel, but screwed out of the profits. I wish a ride only cost fifty cents today.
I have always enjoyed ridding the Ferris Wheels. I like to observe the scenery as far out a possible as you are going around.
I love Ferris wheels, I love getting to the top and feeling like I am on top of the world. You can see so far from the top and the view is amazing.
Interesting story on Ferris. Sorry, but Ferris wheels just aren’t for me. I’m good.
The only Ferris wheel I’ve ever rode on was at cedar point. It was OK when I was little but as I grew older I wanted something a bit faster.
I do not like Ferris wheels. It takes so long for it to be loaded and then it is a short ride. no thanks.
There is one at the IX Center in Cleveland. It’s cool to look. I wish they would have given him his shares of the sales.
This inventor was also featured in the book The Devil in the White City. Ferris was a young man with an invention that found a home at the Chicago World Exposition.
I hate heights so Ferris wheels have never been my favorite, this was an interesting article to read through!
I agree that he should have received a share of the sales. Ferris wheels have never been my favorite either. It just makes me queasy, especially the ones at street fairs. I am not sure about something that is tore down and put up routinely.
I always enjoyed going to Cedar Point with my grandparents and siblings and before we would leave the park we would always ride the Ferris Wheel. It was amazing just how far you could see and how peaceful it was! Even though i am afraid of heights it felt like you were on top of the world.
It was sad to learn that great inventor, George Washing Gale Ferris, Jr., died so young. I was also shocked to learn that the wheel cost up to $400,000! It is amazing, given the costs, he was able to invent something that still attracts people today.
I find it interesting that he wanted to “Out-Eiffel Eiffel”. Also, I am surprised he found people willing to ride it! Obviously, a Ferris wheel is common to us in modern day, but back then it had to be pretty terrifying.
That is a lot of passengers on a ride at once. 2160 to be exact. I do not think I would have ever taken a ride on it. Not then at least. I am still a little shaky when it comes to riding them nowadays. I enjoy reading about inventions that I would never read about on a normal day.
I love a good thrill, sky-diving, roller coasters, jumping into water from a rope swing or a bridge…. But you wouldn’t catch me dead on Ferris Wheel… Or the swing seats that go in the air. It makes me sick to my stomach to think about either of them!
I never knew that a guy named George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. created the Ferris wheel.
I cannot believe the first ferris wheel held 2,160 people! That seems like a lot and today’s ferris wheel does not hold that many, as far as I am aware. Also, I grew up fifteen minutes from Chippewa Park, its sad to see how the park is suck a ghost town now.
That’s a lot of people on a ferris wheel! I dont know if I would feel safe riding that.
I hate the Ferris wheel! My son (10) makes me ride it with him and laughs at my fear the entire time. The worst part is the loading and unloading while I am on it. I can’t imagine it taking 9 minutes.
Wow, that was amazing, I never seeing a Ferris could have capacities about 2160 passengers. Thats a lots of people. I am one of person who afraid of Ferris as well, when It comes to the highest position, it would make me take a deep breath. Unless it has many people around me. If this Ferris is till existing,I really want to try to ride it, it will be fun.
Always enjoyed the Ferris wheel. I had no idea they were originally so big; 2,160 passengers is a lot!
Wow, I never heard that Ferris wheel can held 2,160 that many people. The time of the ride is longer then now as well.
2,160 on the Ferris wheel is a lot, I believe the people who are scary at Ferris wheel trying to ride with many people would get ride of his or her fear. It is pretty interesting. If it is still existing, I really want to try it.
During the summer, the IX Indoor Amusement Park has a giant indoor Ferris Wheel like the one that is mentioned in the article. I rode it once and remember being freaked out as the cart my uncle and I rode in rose out of the building and over the roof! Those rides are a lot of fun but a little unnerving.
Ferris Wheels are amazing. They do kind of scare me a little bit when they stop all of a sudden to let someone on, but other than that, they are amazing.
I can’t believe how huge the first ferris wheel was. That is crazy to me. The biggest ferris wheel I have ever ridden is probably at cedar point or the Myrtle Beach pier. I thought those were big, but they’re nothing compared to the original.
It is amazing that one Ferris wheel could hold over 2,000 passengers. I don’t think the London Eye can even hold that many people. It is sad that Ferris died at such a young age.
Ferris wheels are loved by mostly everyone (unless you’re like me and are afraid of heights) and are usually a popular attraction at every amusement park so it was interesting to read the history behind it. I had no idea that the Ferris Wheel could hold over 2,000 people. That is crazy to me! It is sad that Ferris died at the age of 37; I wonder what else he would have invented if Typhoid Fever hadn’t taken away his life at such a young age.
When I think of a Ferris wheel now, I think of a five minute carnival ride, not a three story monster that is a 20 minute ride and could hold up to 2160 passengers. I didnt know one that large ever existed!
Whenever someone mentions a ferris wheel, I think of a carnival/ fair ride that is cheap and can be put up and taken down within a few minutes. it is crazy to think that some existed long ago and could hold up to over 2,000 passengers. Crazy!
I thought it was cool to learn about the Ferris wheel. I never knew who invented and where it first started. I have never heard of or seen a Ferris wheel this big before.
I enjoyed reading more into the past of this timeless invention. Its a shame he had such trouble getting his money back.
I have a picture of the ferris wheel at Chippewa lake from a time I visited, this was quite fascinating to read.
The Ferris Wheel is such a great invention that is still popular today. Thank you George Washington Gale Ferris Jr!
I do not care for ferris wheels, but it is interesting to know the backstory. I don’t know if it is more famous than the Eiffel Tower, but there are definitely more of them!
It is sad that George Washington Gale Ferris Jr died at the age of 37, how unfortunate! But he left such a legacy.
The immense size of the Ferris Wheel is incredible! I haven’t even seen any that could be as large as to carry 2160 passengers!
The investors coughed up $400,000 to build the Ferris wheel. Back in those days, that is a lot of money!
I’ve always loved Ferris wheels, but I never knew that the first one was supposed to be a monument that would surpass the Eiffel Tower of Paris
Ferris Jr. had an amazing idea that still lives on today and still brings joy to many people. It is sad to see that he died at the young age of 37. While it takes a lot of persuading to get me on a Ferris Wheel, I always find it amazing and offering beautiful views.
I have enjoyed riding the Ferris Wheel at fairs throughout my life. It was fun to read about its beginnings and the man who designed it.
I heard about Ferris Wheels and carousals on the radio this morning. I think it is awesome how the article compared the whole world mourning when the inventor of the Ferris Wheel died. Did it you know a merry-go-round turns clockwise in Europe, and the American carousal turns counterclockwise?
Even though the plain old Ferris wheel isn’t always the most thrilling ride I have always loved riding them at amusement parks and at my county fair growing up. It’s awesome to see how the world came together to mourn the death of Ferris.
I am not a fan of the ferris wheel, they have always freaked me out. It is neat to see how the ride came about though.
I would not feel safe riding a ferris wheel back then especially if it was the first one ever made. I think it is really cool that they are still popular to this day.
I am so use to seeing ferris wheels at fairs that I have never thought about how they began. I would have never thought of the concept of people riding on a big wheel
It is interesting that a ride as simple as the Ferris Wheel is a fair/festival staple and is such an iconic source of entertainment in so many parts of the country.
It is interesting how many people mourned his death. People in today’s time don’t get the recognition they deserve like people in earlier times got.
I thought it was cool to find out about the Ferris wheel. I never knew who imagined and where it initially began. I have never known about or seen a Ferris wheel this huge some time recently.
Such a simple invention and so many people love this thing! Can’t believe that so many people mourned over his death.
Interesting article! I never knew it would cost that much to build one. It’s definitely a favorite ride of mine.
Very interesting article $400,000 must have seemed like millions back then. It would be nice to only pay fifty cents to ride a ferris wheel. The one in Vegas is like $20 I believe.