Observation Deck

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. Here, the Agricultural Building, the Colonnade, the Machinery Building, and the Administration Building are being viewed from the roof of the Manufacturer's Building by one of the 21 million people who attended the fair. These buildings were demolished soon after the closing of the exposition. These were normal exposition procedures, as most buildings lacked any provisions for permanence.