On Thursday, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced a plan to build the world’s tallest Ferris wheel in the now-attraction-less borough of Staten Island. At a soaring 625 feet, the ride would top the current record-holder, the Singapore Flyer, as well as the proposed High Roller in Las Vegas. “It will offer unparalleled and breathtaking views, and is sure to become one of the premier attractions in New York City and the latest exciting addition to our newly revitalized waterfront,” said Bloomberg. “[It will be] an attraction unlike any other in New York City in fact, it will be, we think, unlike any other on the planet,” he added. Except that, well, there are many similar ones across the globe. Since the first Ferris wheel was unveiled for the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, there has been a constant competition to make the tallest wheel. Here are the other attempts at sending fair-goers higher and higher into the skyline.
By Nina Strochlic