George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. was an American civil engineer born on February 14, 1859, in Galesburg, Illinois. He is best known for designing and constructing the first Ferris wheel, which debuted at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iconic structure was created to rival the Eiffel Tower, which had been built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle in Paris. Ferris's invention was a massive success, standing 264 feet tall and featuring 36 cars that could hold up to 30 passengers each. His work not only showcased engineering innovation but also became a symbol of American ingenuity. Ferris passed away on November 22, 1896, but his legacy lives on through the many Ferris wheels around the world.