1892 Present Condition of the Buildings at the World's Fair
By: New York Herald
Date: February 22, 1892 (published) New York
Dimensions: 8.5 x 14 inches (21.5 x 35.5 cm)
A scarce view of the Columbia Exposition during the arduous construction process that was ultimately done in record time and finished just enough to open to the public on May 1st, 1893.
This bird's eye view shows the exposition grounds looking Northwest upon what is now Jackson Park from Lake Michigan. All of the buildings are labeled and some include the approximate acreage of each structure. The largest building, the Manufacturers & Liberal Arts Building took up 44 acres and in this image is shown as nothing more than an incomplete perimeter wall.
The exposition was designed by John Root, Fred Olmsted, Charles Atwood, and Daniel Burnham. It was based around neoclassical architecture principles of symmetry, balance, and splendor and was nicknamed the White City. Anyone who follows the history of this exposition knowns that the construction and landscaping process was filled with extensive delays, mishaps, accidents, and multiple blown budgets.
Below the image is several paragraphs of text that describe what has been done and the enormous amount of work that still needed to be completed in time for opening day. The text includes information on the number of construction workers employed and the fact that many of them works both day and night.
Condition: This print is in B+ condition with no tears, but slightly browned paper.
Inventory #11676
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