The original Ferris Wheel, towering over the midway at the 1893 World’s Fair, was an engineering marvel and a spectacle that captivated millions with its grand scale and smooth operation.

At the heart of the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, the Ferris Wheel stood as a monumental symbol of human ingenuity. Designed by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., this massive structure was far from an ordinary amusement ride—it was an engineering triumph that forever changed the entertainment landscape.

Soaring high above the fairgrounds, the Ferris Wheel featured 36 cars, each capable of holding up to 60 passengers. For just four bits, fairgoers could experience the thrill of being lifted into the sky, offering a panoramic view of the grand exposition below. Imagine the sight of 2,160 passengers—each weighing about 140 pounds—suspended in the air, with the total weight in motion reaching an astonishing 1,191 tons.

Opening to the public on June 21, 1893, the Ferris Wheel operated flawlessly until the fair’s end on November 6, 1893. During this period, it attracted 1,453,611 paid admissions, with additional free trips granted to dignitaries and special guests. Each ride consisted of a single revolution with six stops for loading, followed by a nine-minute, nonstop whirl—a breathtaking experience for those fortunate enough to secure a spot.

Financially, the Ferris Wheel was as successful as it was spectacular. With gross earnings totaling $726,805, the company retained $513,403 after expenses, netting a substantial profit of $395,000. The Wheel’s triumph was not just in its profits, but in the awe it inspired, leaving an indelible mark on the history of world’s fairs and amusement rides.

As the sun set on the World’s Fair, the Ferris Wheel stood as a testament to the heights of imagination and the limitless possibilities of innovation. It was more than just a ride; it was an experience that left millions gazing up in wonder, forever captivated by the giant wheel that turned above them.

The original 1893 Ferris Wheel would find a new life in St. Louis for the 1904 World’s Fair.

ELWOOD: contrary to popular, legendary belief, no part of the Ferris Wheel was ever constructed in Elwood. The Chicago Historical Society sent me all the research, and sadly, Elwood was not a part of the Ferris Wheel’s history.