The Eiffel Tower

The gigantic tower erected by M. Gustave Eiffel in the Paris Exposition Grounds has almost doubled the height of the Washington Monument, (given in Vol. I. as the highest architectural point). The Eiffel Tower is an open structure, built of iron, tapering to the top, and reaching a height of 1000 feet; but there is great strength in the iron framework which springs to such a height. The various landings have refreshment rooms, and exterior galleries from which to view the city of Paris and the country round. The tower is in fact the greatest architectural achievement in the way of Art for Art's sake of this or any other century. M. Eiffel was made Chevalier of the Legion of Honor in 1878, and received the cross as an officer of the Order from the hands of M. Tirard, President of the Council, on the 31st of March, 1889, the day when he hoisted the flag upon the top of his finished structure.