George Ferris designed the very first Ferris Wheel, and Hoosier Luther Rice built it. Legend claims that pieces of that original Ferris Wheel were used to create a bridge in northern Indiana.

(WYTV) — The first Ferris wheel stood 264 feet tall and was the biggest attraction at the World Exposition in Chicago, in June 1893. Is that big? The Giant Wheel at Cedar Point is 145 feet.

(Chicago Tribune archive) 1893: Visitors to the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago got to ride the debut of the first Ferris wheel, which was designed by George W. Ferris.

It was erected in honor of George Ferris, who graduated from RPI in 1881. He designed and built the first Ferris wheel for the 1893 World Fair in Chicago.

The first Ferris wheel was measured at 264 feet tall and held more than 2,000 passengers who were either highly adventurous or had a lot of faith in Ferris’ abilities. Movie theaters Show some love ...