Since then, the Eiffel Tower has become a symbol of French culture and history. What began as a commemoration of the French Revolution has become more than that. The building itself is a beacon for scientific research, and the restaurants the tower houses are examples of wonderful French cuisine, which is a large part of French culture. Who knows what might be added to the tower’s legacy for future generations to learn about and enjoy?

Are there buildings in your community that could stand the test of time? Which modern day stories will people in the future read for inspiration? Which artifacts will end up in museums? When kids in the future study the 21st century, what stories, artifacts and monuments from this era will inspire them?

The Eiffel Tower is France’s most recognizable piece of architecture. It has become a cultural icon. But, did you know that when it was first built, it was only intended to stand for a short time? The Eiffel Tower gained importance over time.

The Eiffel Tower was commissioned for the 1889 World’s Fair, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. When Gustave Eiffel and his team of engineers were chosen to construct the tower, it was agreed that the tower would stand for 20 years and then be taken down. Gustave Eiffel had other ideas, however, so he worked on making it useful for more than just the World’s Fair. Eiffel set up a meteorology laboratory on the top floor and invited other scientists to use the lab for research on everything from gravity to electricity. As it turned out, the thing that ultimately saved the tower from destruction was the fact that its height made it useful as a wireless telegraph transmitter.

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