London Eye, 2016 A popular tourist destination, the London Eye is located along the River Thames in London. (more) Ferris wheel amusement ride Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ferris-wheel Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ferris-wheel Also known as: observation wheel Written by Don Vaughan Don Vaughan is a freelance writer based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Don Vaughan Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Oct 17, 2024 • Article History Table of Contents Also known as: observation wheel (Show more) Ask the Chatbot a Question Ask the Chatbot a Question Ferris wheel, popular amusement ride that typically consists of several seats, or cars, that rotate around a large axis. The Ferris wheel was invented by engineer George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr., for the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893, which took place in Chicago. Sometimes called “observation wheels,” Ferris wheels are a common attraction at fairs, carnivals, and theme parks. The Columbian Exposition was announced in 1888 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s voyage to America. Chicago was chosen to be the site of the exposition two years later. Renowned architect Daniel H. Burnham, who had made his reputation ...(100 of 1166 words)

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