Gustave Eiffel was born in Dijon in 1832 was a French Civil Engineer. He graduated from Ecole Centrale des Arts et Manufacturers in 1855. He was famous for building several bridges for the railway network of France. But he is best known for designing and building of world famous Eiffel Tower in 1889. He also made contribution towards building of Statue of Liberty.
He was renowned for his metal structural work and his career took outstanding turn after building of Twin Edifices of The Porto Viaduct and The Garabit Viaduct in Central France.
Eiffel Tower in Making
Design of Eiffel Tower was firstly made by Emile Nouguier and Maurice Koechlin for 1889 Exposition Universelle.
Gustave Eiffel showed little interest in the tower but sanctioned funds for further studies. Maurice and Emile then asked Stephen Sauvestre to add decorative embellishments. Decorative arches at the base, glass pavilion at first level, cupola at the top enhanced grandeur of the project.
Gustave bought rights to patent on design and in 1887 got the contract for construction of the tower. One and a half million francs were granted for construction. The tower was estimated to be costing six and a half million francs. The money came from commercial exploitation of the tower during exhibitions for 20 years.
The structural work was completed on March 31, 1889 and Eiffel tower hosted a large tricolor flag of France in celebration.
Disaster in Career
In 1887 Gustave Eiffel agreed to build the locks of Panama Canal which resulted in one of the biggest scandal of the century. It greatly affected the aspirations of Gustave and brought change to his path.
In 1889, Compagnie du Canal, the canal construction company went into liquidation. Gustave Eiffel was accused for fraud and was sent to prison with a penalty of 2000 francs.
The ruling was later annulled by Cour de Cassation, highest appeal court in France. All accusations and charges were withdrawn and he was released. After the scandal Gustave submitted himself to academics and worked as a scientist for next thirty years of his life.
Gustave Eiffel died on December 27, 1923 at an age of 91 leaving behind legacy that embodies love for millions of people.
