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Story
June 2, 1938
Buckeye Valley News And Buckeye Review
Buckeye, Maricopa County, Arizona
What is this article about?
Illinois native George Washington Gale Ferris invented the Ferris Wheel, a key attraction at the 1893 Chicago World's Columbian Exposition, overcoming engineers' skepticism with steel company support; construction cost $300,000.
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Famous Ferris Wheel, 1893 World's Fair Attraction, Invention of Illinois Man
Illinois gave the Ferris wheel to the world. According to information obtained by the federal writers' project, WPA, a native son of Galesburg invented the wheel and directed its construction.
It is still remembered by thousands of persons as a main attraction at the World's Columbian exposition at Chicago in 1893.
George Washington Gale Ferris was a member of two pioneer families of Galesburg, descendants of which now reside in that city.
Notwithstanding the opinion of engineers who believed the wheel could not be operated even if it were built, Ferris found backers for his enterprise. The encouragement given by officials of steel companies who believed in the feasibility of the wheel was an important factor in carrying out the plan. It is said that officials of the fair were amazed both when the wheel did operate and when it returned a profit.
According to accounts the total cost of the wheel was $300,000, of which $25,000 was spent on planning and $12,000 on the wooden false
Illinois gave the Ferris wheel to the world. According to information obtained by the federal writers' project, WPA, a native son of Galesburg invented the wheel and directed its construction.
It is still remembered by thousands of persons as a main attraction at the World's Columbian exposition at Chicago in 1893.
George Washington Gale Ferris was a member of two pioneer families of Galesburg, descendants of which now reside in that city.
Notwithstanding the opinion of engineers who believed the wheel could not be operated even if it were built, Ferris found backers for his enterprise. The encouragement given by officials of steel companies who believed in the feasibility of the wheel was an important factor in carrying out the plan. It is said that officials of the fair were amazed both when the wheel did operate and when it returned a profit.
According to accounts the total cost of the wheel was $300,000, of which $25,000 was spent on planning and $12,000 on the wooden false
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Biography
Personal Triumph
What themes does it cover?
Triumph
What keywords are associated?
Ferris Wheel
World's Fair
1893 Exposition
George Ferris
Invention
Chicago
Galesburg
What entities or persons were involved?
George Washington Gale Ferris
Where did it happen?
Galesburg, Illinois; Chicago, Illinois
Story Details
Key Persons
George Washington Gale Ferris
Location
Galesburg, Illinois; Chicago, Illinois
Event Date
1893
Story Details
George Washington Gale Ferris of Galesburg, Illinois, invented and directed construction of the Ferris Wheel for the 1893 Chicago World's Columbian Exposition, overcoming engineers' doubts with steel company backing; it operated successfully and profited, costing $300,000 total.