Centennial Exposition

The Centennial International Exhibition of 1876, the first official world's fair in the United States, was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. It was officially the International Exhibition of Arts, Manufactures and Products of the Soil and Mine.

Related Topics:
1876 - World's fair - United States - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Declaration of Independence

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It was held in Fairmount Park, along the Schuylkill River. The fairgrounds were designed by Hermann Schwarzmann. About 9 million visitors attended, equivalent to about 20% of the population of the United States at the time (though many were repeat visitors). A reconstruction of a "colonial kitcheb" replete with spinning wheel and costumed presenters sparked an era of "Colonial Revival" in American architecture and house furnishings.

Related Topics:
Fairmount Park - Schuylkill River - Hermann Schwarzmann

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The Swedish cottage, representing a rural Swedish schoolhouse of traditional style, was re-erected after the Exposition closed, in Central Park, New York.

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Many of the fair's exhibits are now in the Smithsonian Institution's Arts and Industries Building in Washington, DC, adjacent to the Castle building.

Related Topics:
Smithsonian Institution - Arts and Industries Building - Washington, DC

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