Every year on February 14th, National Ferris Wheel Day spins into our calendars, celebrating the iconic amusement ride that has brought joy to generations. This day honors George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., the engineer who designed the original Ferris Wheel for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. But beyond Ferris's groundbreaking achievement lies a local legacy tied to Jacksonville, Illinois, a town that played a pivotal role in bringing the Ferris Wheel into the hearts of small-town America.
It was in 1893 that W.E. Sullivan, a Jacksonville native and owner of the Eli Bridge Company, attended the Columbian Exposition. Struck by the grandeur of Ferris's creation, Sullivan dreamed of building his own version of the Wheel. Combining his engineering expertise with entrepreneurial vision, Sullivan set to work, and on May 23, 1900, the first "Big Eli" Wheel made its grand debut in Jacksonville’s Central Park.
Sullivan’s invention marked a turning point in amusement rides, making the Ferris Wheel accessible beyond large expositions and into communities nationwide. By 1919, Sullivan's Eli Bridge Company built a new factory in Jacksonville, where it remains a cornerstone of the community today.
Visitors to Jacksonville can see Big Eli Wheel #1 proudly displayed in front of the Eli Bridge Company factory. Though the factory itself is not open for tours, the city’s Community Park offers a chance to experience the legacy firsthand. During summer and autumn, a locally-operated Big Eli Wheel invites riders to enjoy a piece of history with a view of the town.
Jacksonville’s connection to the Ferris Wheel is a reminder of how a local vision can elevate a global idea, turning a marvel of engineering into a beloved symbol of joy and community. On this National Ferris Wheel Day, communities across the country tip their hats to Ferris and Sullivan, who ensured that the Wheel of wonder continues to spin.