This archival shot of the Eiffel Tower during the construction phase was taken in 1878, when photography was still a fledgling technology. The tower is constructed of 18,038 pieces, including 7,300 tons of metal, for a total weight of 10,100 tons. It stands at 324 meters/approx. 1,063 ft. It took a total of 2 years, 2 months and 5 days to complete construction, and contrary to popular belief, the architect behind the project was Stephen Sauvestre-- Gustave Eiffel was the contractor hired to plan the project.
NEXT: Painting of the Eiffel Tower at the Exposition Universelle in 1889
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