The Iron Symbol of Paris
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognized structures in the world, and it is located in Paris, the capital city of France. The tower rises above a long green park called the Champ de Mars, near the River Seine. For well over a century, this towering lattice of iron has been the defining symbol of Paris and one of the most visited monuments on Earth.
Built for a World's Fair
The Eiffel Tower was not built to last forever. It was constructed for the Exposition Universelle, a great World's Fair held in Paris in 1889. The fair marked the one hundredth anniversary of the French Revolution, and the tower was designed to serve as a spectacular entrance arch. It is named after Gustave Eiffel, the engineer whose company designed and built the structure.
Almost Torn Down
When it was first built, the Eiffel Tower was not loved by everyone. Many Parisians, including famous artists and writers, thought the giant iron tower was ugly and out of place in their beautiful city. The tower was originally meant to stand for only about twenty years before being dismantled. It was saved because it proved extremely useful as a giant antenna for radio and telegraph signals, and over time the public came to adore it.
A Record-Breaking Height
For more than forty years, the Eiffel Tower held the title of the tallest man-made structure in the world. It kept that record until taller buildings rose in other cities. The tower also has a curious feature caused by the weather: in the heat of summer, the iron expands, and the tower can grow several centimeters taller, then shrink back again when the air cools.
Source
This article was written using information from Wikipedia.