World’s Fair Guide Books

Collection — Box: 1135, Folder: 022

Identifier: 1998.054

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Three booklets, the first booklet (40p) entitled Souvenir Book of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition: Day and Night Scenes published by the Official Photographic Company. The second booklet (140p) entitled Sights, Scenes and Wonders at the World’s Fair published by the Official Photographic Company. The third booklet (176), entitled Jackson’s Famous Photographs of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition: Over Two Hundred Views and Scenes. The third booklet is missing its front cover.

Dates

Creation: 1904

Rights Statement

Materials in this collection may be protected by copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code).

Biographical / Historical

The first World’s Fair was held in London, England in 1851. It was meant to be a place where nations could gather, show off new goods, establish trade, and share ideas. The 1904 World’s Fair was held in St. Louis, Missouri and was officially titled The Louisiana Purchase Exposition in honor of the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase celebrated in 1803. This was the largest World’s Fair at that time. Additionally, the Olympic Games were held in St. Louis that summer, but were overshadowed by the fair.