Louisiana Purchase Exhibition
Ferris Wheel
The Louisiana Purchase Exposition commemorated the 100th Anniversary of the expeditions of Louis and Clark and the purchase of Louisiana, which extended west of the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains. This painting by Jesse Barnes shows the "Observation Wheel," (later named "The Ferris Wheel" after its creator). "The Ferris Wheel" could carry as many as 2000 people at a time. Taking liberty from historical accuracy, the artist featured the "Palace of Electricity" on the right of the Ferris Wheel.