Columbian Exposition

The Columbian Exposition was held in Chicago in 1893 as a celebration of the 400th anniversary of Columbus' discovery of the Western Hemisphere. Here, such wonders as the Ferris Wheel and electric lights were presented to the American public for the first time. The Fair extended from Cottage Grove to Lake Michigan and from 56th Street to 67th Street, present-day Jackson Park. In this photograph, from left to right, stands the Agricultural Building, Machinery Building, Administration Building, Electronics Building, and the Manufacturers Building. These structures were not built to be permanent and were demolished soon after the closing of the exposition. It is estimated that 21 million people attended the fair.