Description

Many types of souvenirs were available for purchase at the Chicago’s World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893, including fans like this one. Considering the Fair ran from May through October, attendees may have used these fans to ward off the oppressive summer heat.The 1893 Worlds’ Columbian Exposition was an assertive statement about American culture and identity. Celebrating the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the New World, the fair was created by American business, political and artistic leaders to exhibit American progress and to proclaim America’s arrival as an economic and cultural force on the world scene. The Fair was an enormous success, creating a shared experience for a staggering amount of Americans, with 27 million visitors attending its 5 month run.Its centerpiece was the remarkable Ferris Wheel, invented and designed to challenge the 1876 Paris Exposition’s Eiffel Tower as a the world’s most modern wonder. The Fair was an enormous success, creating a shared experience for a staggering amount of Americans, with 27 million visitors attending its 5 month run.In addition to exhibits relating to agriculture, science and industry, the Fair hosted a variety of cultural displays, including an exhibit of American art and performances from artists such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and John Philip Sousa. The exotic Midway attractions featured performers such as ragtime pianist Scott Joplin and the dancer Little Egypt.The African American community was essentially excluded except as performers and for the allowance of a day for ‘coloreds only.’ Black leaders disagreed on the proper...

Record Contributed By

National Museum of American History

Record Harvested From

Smithsonian Institution