I was quite interested in today’s feature since I  thoroughly enjoy amusement parks and fairs.  Even before I was brave enough to ride roller coasters, I never had any problem getting on a Ferris Wheel.  And on this date in 1893, the very first Ferris Wheel opened in Chicago as a part of the World’s Fair.   Although there were some possible predecessors, George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr. is credited with the first Ferris Wheel.  It was 264 feet high (higher than the Eiffel Tower that was built just four years before), and it was able to carry over two thousand people.  It was a massive money-maker, and passengers had to pay fifty cents per ride.  According to my research, this is equal to twelve dollars today.  The Ferris Wheel has become a staple at carnivals, fairs, and amusement parks worldwide.  As of today, Singapore still claims the highest Ferris Wheel in the world (Singapore Flyer–541 feet), and it was built in 2008.  In the future, Dubai and Shanghai may exceed this one, but those structures are currently on hold.

For more information:

http://suite101.com/article/worlds-first-ferris-wheel-held-1500-passengers-a64548

http://www.hydeparkhistory.org/newsletter.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferris_wheel

http://www.essortment.com/ferris-wheel-history-21276.html

http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/3899.html

http://famousdaily.com/history/first-ferris-wheel-premieres-in-chicago.html

http://www.consumertraveler.com/today/worlds-top-10-tallest-ferris-wheels/