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Today In Engineering History: Eiffel Tower Opens In Paris

The 984 feet tall tower would become the world’s tallest man-made structure. Although Eiffel received much criticism that his tower would be structurally unsound, he managed to finish construction under budget in two years.

On this day in history, 1889, the Eiffel Tower officially opened in Paris to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution. Gustave Eiffel, the owner of the company that built the structure, presided over the ceremony, while French Prime Minister Pierre Tirard, a few other dignitaries, and about 200 construction workers attended the debut.  

Yesterday: Heinkel Fighter Sets World Airspeed Record

The Centennial Committee chose Eiffel’s design of an open-lattice, wrought-iron tower out of more than 100 other designs submitted. Although Eiffel often receives full credit for the design, it was actually his employee Maurice Koechlin who came up with the concept.

The 984 feet tall tower would become the world’s tallest man-made structure. Although Eiffel received much criticism that his tower would be structurally unsound, he managed to finish construction under budget in two years.

The Eiffel Tower’s iron framework is supported on four masonry piers, from which rise four column that form a vertical tower. Three levels of the structure contain platforms, each with an observation deck. Elevators weren’t fully installed until March 31, 1889.

The 984 feet tall tower would become the world’s tallest man-made structure. Although Eiffel received much criticism that his tower would be structurally unsound, he managed to finish construction under budget in two years.

The Eiffel Tower’s iron framework is supported on four masonry piers, from which rise four column that form a vertical tower. Three levels of the structure contain platforms, each with an observation deck. Elevators weren’t fully installed until March 31, 1889.

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