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Gustave is born to two parents, his father François Alexandre Boenickhausen and his mother Catherine Melanie Moineuse.
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He studied at ‘Lycée Royal’ and earned a baccalauréats in science and humanities.
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For college he passed the entrance exams of 2 renowned colleges in France, ‘École Centrale des Arts et Manufacture and École polytechnique. He chose École Centrale des Arts et Manufacture and studied chemistry until he graduated in 1855.
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After he graduated, he worked an unpaid job with his brother in law at a foundry. Shortly after he got his first paid job as a secretary for Charles Nepveu, a railway engineer.
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After Nepveu company went bankrupt, Gustave arranged for building of a bridge called the Saint Germaine’ railroad. Compagnie Belge de Matériels de Chemin de Fer’ , the company that took over Nepveu company, made him managing director of 2 factories and eventually lead the research department.
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Gustave was made chief engineer Compagnie Belge de Matériels de Chemin de Fer’.
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As Compagnie Belge de Matériels de Chemin de Fer’ started to decline, Gustave decided to resign from the company.
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His works and reputation made him able to start his own workshop to pursue projects in different countries. One such project was an all metal construction of the church of San Marcos in Africa, Chile.
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He was contacted by Auguste Bartholdi to design the interior of the statue of liberty after the main engineer died. He built it in paris, dismantled it, and then sent it to the US for the final assembly.
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Gustave started his most famous work this year also known as the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Its still there today and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world.
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Gustave passed away in his home due to a stroke. He left behind a wife and five kids.
