The concept of the Eiffel Tower began in 1884, when the idea to build a 300 meter tower on Champ-de-mar was conceived. The tower was to be part of the 1889 Worlds Fair. The tower also marks the 100th Anniversary of the French Revolution.

On September 18, 1884, Gustave Eiffel submitted a patent which contained a new configuration of metal supports and pylons that had the capability to exceed 300 ft. Assembly began on July 1, 1887, using 18,000 custom pieces and 2,500,000 rivets put together by 150-300 workers.The first level was completed that December. The tower was completed on March 31, 1889.

The tower has been painted 18 times, starting with a reddish brown, then to a yellow-ocher, moving to chestnut brown and finally the bronze of today. They even differentiate the shading as it reaches the top so that the tower maintains the look of a single color.

Personally, the most interesting thing I noticed when visiting the tower myself was the 72 names engraved on the tower. They are the French Scientists, Engineers, and Mathematicians who contributed to its construction.

If you are ever in Paris, visiting the Eiffel Tower is a must! Be sure to buy your tickets well a head of time, the tickets are dated and time stamped. They sell out of pre-purchased tickets quickly. The lines to buy tickets at the monument are quite long.

Image Credit: Mrs. Mac

Content: The Eiffel Tower (https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/the-monument)