The iron giant seen here sees more visitors than any monument in the world, around six million per year. It is surprising that the world finds this tower so fascinating-it was almost torn down in 1909, until it found use supporting an antenna for telegraph transmissions.
The tower, which bears the name of the engineer who designed it, was built in 1889 as an entrance to the World's Fair. From the time it was built until 1930, it was the tallest structure in the world. Many citizens of the "City of Lights" opposed its construction, calling it an eyesore and a disgrace to the city. Today, however, it is considered one of the world's greatest architectural designs. My, how things have changed!
