This Week In Illinois History: Big Eli, The First Portable Ferris Wheel (May 23, 1900)

On May 23, 1900, the world’s first portable Ferris wheel, known as “Big Eli,” made its debut. Its inventor, William Sullivan, launched an amusement ride…

The Ferris Wheel (the first one ever) being assembled (for the second time) before the St. Louis World's Fair. Did you know that giant axel is still buried in Forest Park?

Eli Bridge Company :: Jacksonville, IL :: Company History

Eli Bridge Company :: Jacksonville, IL :: Company History

Galesburg Northern Public Radio: WNIJ and WNIU

Eli Bridge Company :: Jacksonville, IL :: Company History

This Week In Illinois History: Big Eli, The First Portable Ferris Wheel (May 23, 1900)

Page 45 – DeKalb County Online

Ferris Wheel

Still turning Illinois Times

Ferris wheel - Wikiwand

Big Eli Wheel No. 17 Historical Marker

New Ferris Wheel: History in the Making - ACP Entertainment

Galesburg Northern Public Radio: WNIJ and WNIU

This Week In Illinois History: Big Eli, The First Portable Ferris Wheel (May 23, 1900)

Carnival Ride Archives - Eli Bridge Company W. E. Sullivan, owner of Eli Bridge Company, a bridge building business in Illinois, rode the original 1893 Chicago Ferris Wheel at the World's Columbian