Patriotic Events: World's Fair - St. Louis, 1904

The year is 1904 and the city is St. Louis, Missouri. The St. Louis World’s Fair, also known as the Universal Exposition and the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, ran from April 30th until December 1st. The exposition celebrated the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase from France and the major human advancements since the time of its purchase.

Twelve hundred acres, 1500 buildings, 75 miles of walkways and roads, 62 participating nations, and 43 participating states made this the grandest world’s fair to date. The scale of the event was magnificent; the Palace of Agriculture alone covered 20 acres. A jury of international experts awarded prizes to exhibitors in many categories, including agriculture, art, music, and inventions. These awards were prestigious; companies would promote their awards for years or even decades.