People all around the world are familiar with one of Paris' most iconic symbols: the Eiffel Tower.
Tourists queue for hours and fly thousands of miles to see this famous structure in person, but this famous site is much more than just its breathtaking exterior.
The massive iron structure has an interesting history that is entwined with stories of conflict, science, love, and grief.
Is it true that this romantic symbol of the City of Love was originally once used as a radio tower?
VERDICT:
TRUE
The Eiffel Tower was initially constructed for the 1889 World's Fair to display France's economic might.
Originally, designer Gustave Eiffel was instructed by the French government to construct the tower with the intention of demolishing it in just 20 years.
However, he had a groundbreaking idea that changed its future: integrating a wireless telegraph transmitter and radio antenna into the structure itself.
On November 5, 1898, the first radio contact in Morse code was established between the Eiffel Tower and the nearby Pantheon, just four kilometres away.
This milestone proved the tower's potential as a communication hub, leading to the installation of a permanent transmitting station.
By 1899, it was enabling radio transmissions to London, catching the attention of military leaders who recognised its strategic importance.
Eiffel’s risk paid off in 1910 when he demonstrated the tower’s usefulness to the French government, resulting in a 70-year extension on his lease.
Towards the 1980s, the Eiffel Tower had solidified its status as a beloved symbol of Paris, far from any threat of demolition.
Today, the Eiffel Tower represents more than just romance. It serves as a reminder of ingenuity and flexibility, influencing not just the Paris skyline but also the evolution of radio transmission.
Currently, there are over 100 antennas on the tower, which transmits radio and television signals worldwide.
Resources:
https://www.toureiffel.paris/
https://www.history.com/news/
