Ongoing installation of the 196-foot high Ferris wheel at Navy Pier has created considerable excitement and awe according to recent newspaper articles and photos.
But the same people who are so amazed today at the Navy Pier site might want to think back to the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 when the Ferris wheel designed by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. (a Galesburg native) became a fixture on the Midway Plaisance during that historic event. The 1893 Ferris wheel was so massive that it would still tower over the Navy Pier attraction. Ferris’ wheel was 264-feet high, had 36 cars, seated 60 passengers in each car, and, when all filled, carried 2,160 riders. Now, that is some achievement.
Those who stand in awe at today’s Navy Pier attraction would have been mesmerized by the amusement ride built 123 years ago. Let us celebrate the Navy Pier Ferris wheel but also remember the 1893 attraction that started it all.
— Stan “Tex” Banash, Chicago
