The Ferris Wheel
50 cents! 50 cents! Ride All Around It!
George Washington Ferris
George Ferris later died at age 37 on November 22nd 1896 just three years after the Ferris Wheel was invented. Today, Ferris Wheel Day is is celebrated on the 14th of February and the town, Galesburg, is named in honor of George Washington Gale Ferris and his family.
Creation of the Ferris Wheel
The Ferris wheel didn't bring in much cash and Ferris became obsessed with the Ferris Wheel. He wanted to come up with a better plan that made more money and he wanted to sell Ferris Wheels all around the world. He soon lost most of his money and his wife decided to leave him. He moved into a cheap hotel in Pittsburgh. Ferris died November 22nd, 1896 at the Pittsburg Mercy Hospital. Ferris died of Typhoid fever.
Facts about the Ferris Wheel
Total cost for the Ferris Wheel was $250,000
There were 36 cars that held a total of 60 people
The price to ride the Ferris Wheel was 50 cents for a 20 minute ride
The Ferris Wheel went around 4 times in 20 minutes
Ferris Wheel Measurements:
264 ft from highest point to ground
825 ft in circumference
250 ft in diameter