George Ferris was an American engineer best known for designing the Ferris wheel. Born on February 14, 1859, in Galesburg, Illinois, he aimed to create a large, rotating structure that could rival the Eiffel Tower at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. His invention became a symbol of the fair and showcased engineering innovation. The first Ferris wheel was completed in 1893 and stood 264 feet tall, featuring 36 cars that could hold up to 30 passengers each. Ferris's creation was a significant attraction at the exposition, drawing millions of visitors and establishing a new form of amusement ride that remains popular today.