1904 World's Fair: Looking Back at Looking Forward

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Photo, Entrance to Creation on the Pike, Louisiana Purchase Exposition, LoC
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Marking the 100th anniversary of the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, an event designed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase, this site documents the extensive preparation for the event that saw 20 million visitors.

Virtual Fair recreates the original layout of the fair and allows visitors to see many of the original sights and structures through 100 contemporary photographs. Artifacts allows viewers to see 32 items significant to the fair and the subsequent Olympic Games. Short, 500- to 1,000-word essays detail the enormous preparations required for hosting the fair. Educators provides some useful materials for teachers, but is designed primarily for teachers planning to bring students to the site of the exhibition.

Chatillon-DeMenil House [MO]

Description

The Chatillon-DeManil House was originally constructed in 1848, and expanded in 1861. Today, it houses the largest permanent collection of artifacts from the 1904 World's Fair. The original owner, Henri Chatillon, served the St. Louis American Fur Company as both a guide and trapper. The second owner, Dr. Nicolas N. DeMenil, practiced medicine. He is responsible for the structure's current Greek Revival appearance.

The mansion offers guided tours.