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…

Eli Bridge Co. Rides High Thanks To Wheels Of Fortune - Illinois Farm Bureau Partners

New Ferris Wheel: History in the Making - ACP Entertainment

Page 45 – DeKalb County Online

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

The Wheel: Ferris' Big Idea (Special Preview of The First Podcast) - The Bowery Boys: New York City History

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?

Big Eli Ferris Wheel - Jacksonville, IL

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

Page 45 – DeKalb County Online

Fun Facts About the Big Eli Wheel Near Jacksonville, IL - Freedom Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Rich Saal is an editorial and commercial photographer and documentary filmmaker based in central Illinois. — Rich Saal Photography