World’s Most Famous, Largest and Magnificent Ferris Wheels
Ferris wheels have the innate ability to remind us of revolutionary times. Society was changing and culture was evolving, all while industry was making its way into large cities.
These changes brought the evolution of the Ferris wheel-a structural upright wheel with gondola like seats. The first Ferris wheel ever seen by the public was at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The Ferris wheel was designed by George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr. who graduated from the prestigious Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
1893 World’s Columbian Exposition
Image via Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia
The wheel rivaled the Eiffel Tower, the centerpiece of the 1889 Paris Exposition, which carried 2,160 persons. This famous wheel stood 250′ tall, held 36 gondola’s, and was powered by two steam engines. It took a mind-boggling 20 minutes for the wheel to make two revolutions. When the Columbian Exposition ended, the wheel was moved to the “St. Louis 1904 World’s Fair and was eventually destroyed by controlled demolition in 1906.”
The Singapore Flyer
The Singapore Flyer located in Singapore stands 165 meters high and maintains the title of tallest and largest Ferris wheel in the world, at least until the construction of the Beijing Great Wheel and Great Berlin Wheel is finished. All 28 capsules are air conditioned and capable of holding 28 people each. It takes approximately 30 minutes for one entire revolution-rotating in a counter-clockwise direction. “The direction was changed on 4 August 2008 under the advice of Feng shui masters.”
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18 Comments
Kate Smedley, posted this comment on Jul 8th, 2009
‘Big wheels’ frighten me to death, although I did go on the London Eye a couple of years ago and it was fun – great article, the pictures are stunning.
Joe Dorish, posted this comment on Jul 8th, 2009
Wow the heights on some these are incredible and so must the views be!
Lostash, posted this comment on Jul 8th, 2009
You’d never get me on one, not with these heights! Great piece as I never realised there had been so many!
valli, posted this comment on Jul 9th, 2009
Fascinating info!
Chris Stonecipher, posted this comment on Jul 9th, 2009
I would love to ride these too!
Carl H., posted this comment on Jul 13th, 2009
That one in Chernobyl should not be forgoten….
Bozsi Rose, posted this comment on Jul 15th, 2009
Those photos are amazing…
Elizabeth Abbott, posted this comment on Jul 16th, 2009
This an amazing andbeautiful article. Interesting facts regarding the Ferris Wheels! Ilike The Southern Star the best.
Francy, posted this comment on Jul 21st, 2009
interesting article. I didn\’t know about this.
I have seen some of your articles, and i have noticed that you\’re a very good writer and a creative one.
Keep sharing
Tate Morgan, posted this comment on Aug 4th, 2009
Man Lauren i like the stuff you put on here Tate
Jen Brown, posted this comment on Jan 8th, 2010
Wow. All of these make me happy to have my feet on the ground!
bill watson, posted this comment on Jan 13th, 2010
what is your name it is needed for my proj please post in the next min.
bill watson, posted this comment on Jan 13th, 2010
what is your name it is needed for my proj please post in the next min. thank you
bill watson, posted this comment on Jan 13th, 2010
oh by the way this website was very good keep up the good work
bill watson, posted this comment on Jan 13th, 2010
never mind
Lauren Axelrod, posted this comment on Jan 13th, 2010
The By on the top of the page gives it away. Lauren Axelrod
Slim, posted this comment on Apr 12th, 2010
The Texas Star is greatness. I ride it every year… but “1.5 revolutions a minute” is not even close. It goes around twice for every ride, and each ride takes about ten minutes.
Pyerse Dandridge, posted this comment on Jul 8th, 2009
Wow pretty cool history of one of my favorite rides. Great article