Eiffel Tower

Quick Facts: Who was Eiffel Tower?

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Eiffel Tower

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Iconic lattice tower in Paris, built for the 1889 World's Fair.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Eiffel Tower ( EYE-fəl; French: Tour Eiffel [tuʁ ɛfɛl] ) is a lattice tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France. It is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower from 1887 to 1889. Locally nicknamed "La dame de fer" (French for "Iron Lady") for its use of wrought iron, it was constructed as the centrepiece of the 1889 World's Fair, and to crown the centennial anniversary of the French Revolution.

Career & Major Achievements

Although initially criticised by some of France's leading artists and intellectuals for its design, it has since become a global cultural icon of France and one of the most recognisable structures in the world. The tower received 5,889,000 visitors in 2022. The Eiffel Tower is the most visited monument with an entrance fee in the world: 6.91 million people ascended it in 2015.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

It was designated a monument historique in 1964, and was named part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site ("Paris, Banks of the Seine") in 1991. The tower is 330 metres (1,083 ft) tall, about the same height as an 81-storey building, and the tallest structure in Paris. Its base is square, measuring 125 metres (410 ft) on each side.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1887: 1887 Milestone — It is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower from 1887 to 1889.
2. 1889: 1889 Milestone — Locally nicknamed "La dame de fer" (French for "Iron Lady") for its use of wrought iron, it was constructed as the centrepiece of the 1889 World's Fair, and to crown the centennial anniversary of the French Revolution.
3. 1964: 1964 Milestone — It was designated a monument historique in 1964, and was named part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site ("Paris, Banks of the Seine") in 1991.
4. 2015: 2015 Milestone — 91 million people ascended it in 2015.
5. 2022: 2022 Milestone — The tower received 5,889,000 visitors in 2022.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Eiffel Tower

True or False: “The Eiffel Tower was initially criticized by leading Parisian artists and intellectuals for its industrial design.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The structure's use of exposed wrought iron and its massive scale caused outrage among some cultural elites at the time of its construction.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• A. Philip Randolph — Historical peer (Born in 1889) (1889): Pioneer labor unionist and civil rights activist who fought for racial equality.
• Abel Gance — Historical peer (Born in 1889) (1889): French cinematic pioneer, celebrated for his mastery of montage and epic filmmaking.
• Alexander Archipenko — Historical peer (Born in 1887) (1887): Ukrainian-American avant-garde sculptor, pioneer of Cubist human figures.
• Alexander Borodin — Historical peer (Died in 1887) (1887): Russian Romantic composer, chemist, and physician known for 'Prince Igor' and symphonies.
• Aaron Carter — Historical peer (Died in 2022) (2022): American singer and rapper known for teen pop stardom and enduring musical career.
• Alexander Vovin — Historical peer (Died in 2022) (2022): Pioneering Russian-American linguist specializing in East Asian languages, particularly Japanese.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam — Historical peer (Died in 2015) (2015): Visionary aerospace engineer, scientist, and former President of India.
• Abdullah of Saudi Arabia — Historical peer (Died in 2015) (2015): King of Saudi Arabia, known for his role in modernizing the kingdom's governance.
• Abedi Pele — Historical peer (Born in 1964) (1964): Legendary Ghanaian footballer, celebrated for his attacking prowess and leadership.
• Adam Yauch — Historical peer (Born in 1964) (1964): Founding member of Beastie Boys; influential rapper, filmmaker, and Tibetan activist.

Frequently Asked Questions about Eiffel Tower