1893: Ferris Wheel

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Innovation: Chicago Ferris Wheel
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Year: 1893
By: George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr.

The original Ferris Wheel was developed by George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr. in 1893.  The wheel was constructed as an attraction for the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois.  The concept of a spinning wheel with passengers suspended in chairs was first seen in the 17^th century in Bulgaria.  Similar wheels began appearing around the world until eventually making its way to America in 1848.  In 1892, William Somers constructed three wooden wheels throughout New Jersey and New York.  George Ferris got the chance to ride on one of these wheels before he designed his own and was sued for patent infringement; however, Ferris successfully proved that the Ferris Wheel differed greatly.  The Ferris Wheel reached a height of 80.4 meters and took about nine minutes to make one revolution.

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