The Eiffel Tower in Paris has become an icon for France and is known around the world for its daring and unusual structure. The landmark was named after its engineer designer, Gustave Eiffel, and was constructed between 1887 and 1889. It was initially built as the entrance arch for the Exposition Universelle, which was a World’s Fair marking the centennial celebration of the French Revolution, with the Eiffel Tower being inaugurated on March 31, 1889 and opened on May 6, 1889. Including the antenna, the Eiffel Tower is 1,083 feet tall, weighs in at 73,000 tons, and can sway 3½ inches in the wind. Because Gustave Eiffel was only given a permit for the Eiffel Tower to stand for 20 years, it was due to be dismantled. However, because it was a valuable communications resource, thanks to the antenna on top, it was allowed to remain in place.
