Eiffel Tower
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The magnificent
structure known as the Eiffel Tower, shaped by supports of iron, was built in France, for the 1889 Paris Exposition. Designers Maurice Keochlin and Emile Nouguier assisted the French structural engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel. This massive 984-foot structure, built to celebrate the world's accomplishments in science and engineering, consists of two immense parts; a base composed of a platform resting on four separate supports and, above this a slender tower rising above a second platform to combine into a towering peak.
On March 31, 1889, a small group of dignitaries climbed the 1,792 steps to the top of the Eiffel Tower to hoist a huge French flag at the top. It was once said that the French flag flew on the highest flagpole in the world. Meanwhile, on the ground, tables were laid for a great celebration. The tower was an enormous hit at the Paris Expo, attracting almost two million visitors in five months alone. During the exposition, visitors had to paid money to ascend up the tower.
By the end of the year 1889, seventy-five percent of the total cost to build the tower had been recovered. For over forty years, Eiffel's creation remained the tallest in the world. The tower was also a European leader in aerodynamics on account of its precisely calculated curves and design. Withstanding weather and competition of the world, the Eiffel Tower still remains one of the most exquisite structures of the world. |
| Date of Birth | March 31, 1889 |
| Age | 110 years |
| Engineers | Maurice Koekhlin and Emile Nouguier |
| Architect | Stephen Sauvestre |
| Construction | 1887- 1889 |
| Material | Puddled Iron |
| Weight of Metal structure | 7,300 tons |
| Total weight | 10,000 tons |
| Height in 1889 | 312.27m (with flagpole) |
| Height in 1994 | 318.7m (with antenna) |
| Paint | 50 tons every 7 years |
| Number of Steps | 1,665 |
The Paris
Exposition In the
late 1800's, the French began to focus planning for a great
Exposition held in Paris. The event was celebrating the centennial
of the French Revolution. The planners wanted a special monument
that would always be remembered for the celebration of French
freedom. Many designs, from all over France were submitted.
Alexandre Gustave Eiffel's design was chosen. He proposed to build
the tallest structure in the world.
On all four sides of the Eiffel tower there are the names of all 72 scientists who contributed in the building. Click here to
see the list.