Preparing the Ground

By early 1887, with the design selected and contracts signed, preparation began at the Champ de Mars. The site itself carried historical weight—it had hosted revolutionary festivals, military reviews, and previous expositions. Now it would anchor France's leap into the modern age.

The ground preparation revealed Paris's geological diversity. Workers discovered that the two piers closest to the Seine sat on a layer of clay and gravel that extended to the bedrock, while the other two rested on more compact sand and gravel. This required different foundation approaches for each leg—a challenge that Eiffel's team met with innovative solutions including compressed-air caissons and massive concrete bases.

Local residents watched with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Children from the nearby École Militaire pressed their faces against the fence to watch the steam shovels and workers. Street vendors set up stalls selling food and drinks to the construction crews, many of whom were immigrants bringing specialized skills from across Europe.

Ahmed Ben Youssef, an Algerian laborer who found work on the foundation crews, wrote to his family: "They say we are building something that will touch the clouds. I don't know if that's possible, but the pay is good and the French engineers treat us fairly. Paris is cold, but there is opportunity here for those willing to work hard."