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Centennial Exhibition Plans and Drawings Collection, circa 1876

Extent:

1000.0 linear feet

Abstract:

The Centennial Exhibition, officially designated the International Exhibition of Arts, Manufactures and Products of the Soil and Mine, marked the first World’s Fair to be held in the United States. While it was an international event, the theme of the fair was clearly American as the impetus to hold the event was the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the achievement of American independence. Operating from May 10th to November 10th, 1876, the fair hosted over ten million visitors- or roughly 1/5 of the population of the United States at the time. Thirty seven international countries participated in the event, along with 26 states. The Exhibition promoted international commerce, and was a place where one could view a large number of diverse products in one location. Visitors could easily walk from an exhibit on Japanese art, to one of products produced by West Virginians. It was an excellent opportunity for all, particularly Americans removed the...(see more)

Held at: Fairmount Park Historic Resource Archives [Contact Us]