The Eiffel Tower, one of the seven wonders of the world, is proudly displayed in the center of Paris. One can witness a multitude of events, both joyous and disastrous, that have occurred in Paris, France, from the Eiffel Tower. The tower is now seen as a symbol of France, particularly by Parisians. Gustave Eiffel, the architect credited with creating the fabled structure, the Eiffel Tower (also known as La Tour d’Eiffel), constructed it. However, there is more to it than that. This site will reveal some astounding information to you if you’re interested in learning more about the history of Eiffel Tower.
1. Gustave Eiffel is not the designer
Amazing, huh? History contradicts the notion that Gustave played a significant role in building the tower. He did not create the structure, but two engineers from his own business did. Emile Nouguier and Maurice Koechlin chose the structure. They also asked French architect Stephen Sauvetre to improve on the appearance. It took over 100 trials to arrive at the final design. The designers completed the building components’ design on July 1, 1887.
2. The tower was to be destroyed 20 years later
Twenty years after its completion in 1889, they demanded that the Eiffel Tower be demolished, but that was not the end of the history of Eiffel Tower. In 1910 they extended the tower’s lease for an additional 70 years because of its advanced radio and television capabilities. And a short time later, in 1980, the tower came to represent the Parisian’s history, romance, literature, poetry, expression, and industrialization.
3. Almost destroyed during the second world war
The Nazis were struggling to maintain control over Parisians by August 1944. Hitler decided to demolish this monument at that time. He instructed his generals to complete this as quickly as they could. However, the apocalypse was averted by General von Choltitz’s well-known refusal to submit to Hitler. As a result, the German occupiers were driven away without causing too much harm, though they did still cause some. But there was already some damage. Even though this was a bleak chapter in the tower’s past, it was not the end of the illustrious structure.
4. The tower has a secret apartment
Since its completion in 1889, Gustave Eiffel and his daughter have lived in the tower’s apartment. Few people are aware of this residence. The best panoramic view of Paris is from the mansion. He had constructed the home not only for his own amusement but also for research objectives. Thomas Edison and other VIP visitors have made the residence their home. They have added wax sculptures depicting his life to the home.
5. The Eiffel Tower is a cousin of the Statue of Liberty
Confused? The Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower are related. Maurice Koechlin and Gustave Eiffel. Eugiene Viollet De Luc and Auguste Bartholdi initially intended to work on the Statue of Liberty design project. In 1871, Bartholdi also visited the United States. But after Eugiene passed away, Bartholdi contacted Eiffel and Koechlin since they were knowledgeable about iron. They began constructing the building in 1876 and finished it in 1886. Three years later, they erected the Eiffel Tower.
6. What was present in the Eiffel Tower?
Gustave Eiffel was known to research physics and aerodynamics. Therefore, the Eiffel Tower contained a meteorology lab in the third story. It served as a research lab for additional uses as well. In 1889, the tower’s first floor housed the Le Figaro newspaper. On the first level, there was a post office as well. In the third story, Gustave Eiffel also housed a meteorological lab. He constructed a wind tunnel at the base of the tower, and between August 1909 and December 1911, he conducted 5,000 tests. Restaurants, observation decks, and gift stores are now on every floor.
7. Covered in the name of scientists
In the laboratories of the Eiffel Tower, different scientists worked on diverse projects during the 19th century. In order to preserve their labor of love as a part of history. The tower was inscribed with the names of numerous scientists and engineers. In the latter half of the 20th century, tributes were made to them. These names weren’t visible until the tower was repaired in the 1980s. According to reports, 72 names were inscribed. Some names included Seguin, Lalande, Tresca, Poncelet, Bresse, Lagrange, Belanger, and Cuvier.
8. Needs a lot of maintenance
When a grand monument is constructed, it will surely need significant maintenance. Since 1892, the Eiffel Tower has undergone seven paint updates to preserve its historical aesthetic. To prevent corrosion, the painters carefully peel off the old paint and reapply the new paint. Every seven years, 60 tons of paint are allegedly applied. Additionally, the Eiffel Tower’s pathways are now undergoing renovation. Renovations will be done on the north pillar.
9. The Tower is only Painted by hand
The French prefer to keep the monument in a conventional manner. As a result, the Eiffel Tower undergoes hand painting every seven years. Nineteen different paintings have been created of it up to this point. Since 1889, the tower has had a thick coat of reddish-brown paint applied to it. It changed to ochre in 1892, was painted in shaded tones in 1899 that ranged from yellow-orange at the base to light yellow at the top, was yellow-brown from 1907 to 1947, brownish red from 1954 to 1961, and has been painted in three shades since 1968, with the darkest at the bottom and the lightest at the top.
10. The Tower moves
The Eiffel Tower moves upward. But why? This happens because of the sun’s heat. The sun’s heat makes the iron expand. Thus, every year, the tower grows a few centimeters taller. This phenomenon mostly takes place annually in the summer. This causes the tower to tilt away from the sun. The sun only hits one of the tower’s four sides, creating an imbalance with the other three sides, which remain stable, thus causing the Eiffel Tower to lean-when cold winter weather arrives, the metal structure contracts and loses centimeters as well. Currently, the tower has grown 6 inches taller.
11. The measurements of the tower
The height of the Eiffel Tower is 1083 feet. Its height without the antenna is 1028 feet. On the ground, it is 410 feet wide overall. It is 10.100 tons heavy. There are three levels and five lifts in the Eiffel Tower. Five elevators, two by two duo-lifts, connect the second level to the roof. The first floor is 187 feet high, the second floor is 379 feet high, and the third floor is 905 feet tall. The tower has a total of four pillars. There are 2,500,000 mechanical fasteners in all. 18,308 Iron components make up the tower. There are 1665 steps. Every year, 7 million people visit the Eiffel Tower.
In conclusion, the Eiffel Tower stands as a symbol of marvel, creativity, genius, hard work, and cultural significance to the human eye. After we learn about the history of Eiffel Tower, we can see how it has captivated the heart of France and globally, where it has gained a quick reputation. Today and in the future, it will stand as a timeless symbol as it continues to witness history.
FAQ’S
- Have there been any controversies when the Eiffel Tower was being constructed?
Mass protesters in Paris criticized the project, calling it a “useless and monstrous eyesore” that would tarnish Paris forever, before its construction in 1887.
- Will the Eiffel Tower fall down?
Although the continuous change in weather has weakened the Eiffel Tower, it still won’t be collapsing for another 1000 years at least. But if the Govt. maintains the tower annually, then it will never collapse. Till then, the history of Eiffel Tower will always be immortal.
ALSO READ: 10 Astonishing Facts about the History of the Statue of Liberty
