This Week In Illinois History: Big Eli, The First Portable Ferris Wheel (May 23, 1900)

from This Week in Illinois History · host Clint Cargile

On May 23, 1900, the world's first portable Ferris wheel, known as "Big Eli," made its debut. Its inventor, William Sullivan, launched an amusement ride business that still thrives today.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published May 25, 2026

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This Week In Illinois History: Big Eli, The First Portable Ferris Wheel (May 23, 1900)

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