Jamestown Exposition

The Jamestown Exposition was one of the many world's fairs and expositions that were popular in the United States early part of the 20th century. It was held from April 26 to December 1, 1907, at Sewell's Point on Hampton Roads, near Norfolk, Virginia, and commemorated the 300th anniversary of the founding of the Jamestown Settlement.

Sewell's Point: prominent, historical, but isolated

With the choice of Sewell's Point, a prominent, historical, but isolated site, the Jamestown Exposition proved to be a logistical nightmare. Roads had to be built to the site. Two existing streetcar lines needed to be extended a considerable distance reach the site. Piers had to be constructed for moving supplies to exposition buildings. Hotels had to be raised to handle the millions of anticipated exposition visitors. Bad weather slowed everything.

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Another major setback was the death of Fitzhugh Lee. He died in 1905 while in New England drumming up trade for the celebration. Henry St. George Tucker, another former Virginia governor, succeeded him. Norfolk businessman David Lowenberg ran most of the operation as director general.

Related Topics:
New England - Henry St. George Tucker - Norfolk

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