In 1893, W.E. Sullivan visited the Colombian Exposition, where he marveled at the original Ferris Wheel. Mr. Sullivan owned a bridge-building business, the Eli Bridge Company, but remained fascinated by the Wheel and was determined to build one of his own. Sullivan’s first “Big Eli” Wheel debuted in Jacksonville; Illinois’ own Central Park on May 23, 1900. In 1919, a new factory building was erected in Jacksonville and has been doing business at that location ever since. The first wheel, Big Eli Wheel #1, now proudly stands in front of the factory. Although the factory is not open for tours, visitors can take a spin on the locally operated wheel in Community Park during the summer and autumn months.