The World's Columbian Exposition People who arrived at the fair by boat at the pier could then take a movable sidewalk to the entrance of the Court of Honor. (CHS ICHi 25107) The Columbian Exposition was the first world's fair with a separate amusement area. The noisy and distracting attractions were concentrated on the Midway Plaisance so as not to disturb the parklike atmosphere of the rest of the exposition. The Midway's features ranged from a replica "Street in Cairo" to carnival rides. The "Street in Cairo," one of the first amusements to introduce exotic dancing to America, was the most successful Midway attraction: its stockholders realized more than a hundred percent profit on their investment. The world's first Ferris Wheel, invented by George W. Ferris, was also on the Midway. The 250-foot high steel structure had 36 cars carrying 60 persons each. Making shoes on a "Street in Cairo." (CHS ICHi 25138) The Ferris Wheel dominated all the buildings around it and was one of the most popular attractions on the Midway. Fully loaded, it could carry 2,160 people. (CHS ICHi 25054) A mosque in the Turkish Village. (CHS ICHi-20531) Selling sausages in the Austrian Village. (CHS ICHi 25108)