These are all old photos from the 1889 Paris Exposition (or Exposition Universelle). The grand Eiffel Tower was built for this world’s fair, not without much controversy.
The Library of Congress has a great piece on it and we found some of these excellent photos there. This is why we love looking for old photos … these are an amazing window into the past.
Interior of Paris Exposition building showing two balloons
Gustave Eiffel and four other people at the summit of the Eiffel Tower
First floor promenade, Eiffel Tower, Paris Exposition, 1889
Paris Exposition, view from ground level of the Eiffel tower with Parisians promenading
The Eiffel Tower
Paris Exposition; view of Paris from arched balcony of Eiffel Tower, Paris Exposition, 1889
The Eiffel Tower at night
Eiffel tower elevator on the first floor
Eiffel Tower
Paris Exposition; steps to the first stage of the Eiffel Tower, Paris Exhibition 1889
Gallery of Machines, Paris Exposition, 1889
Railroad train at the Paris Exposition, 1889
Men building the Fountain St. Vidal near the Eiffel Tower, Paris Exposition, 1889
Source: Library of Congress