The Great New York State Fair was first held in Syracuse in 1841, in and around the old courthouse on North Salina Street near Division Street. It was created by the New York State Agricultural Society, a group of private individuals who sought to encourage and promote the best in agriculture by bringing together the state's farmers for an annual exposition of their bounty. Except for the years 1942-1948, when the Fairgrounds were taken over by the Army, it has been held every year since 1841. For much of the 19th century, the Fair moved around the state, stopping in Albany, Utica, Auburn, Saratoga, Buffalo, Rochester, Elmira, and Watertown. In 1889, after the people of Syracuse donated 100 acres, the Fair settled at its permanent location, and the first fair was held at the present Fairgrounds in 1890. In 1899, New York State assumed control under Governor Theodore Roosevelt, and increased funding led directly to construction of many main buildings, including the Manufacturers and Liberal Arts Building in 1909, now called the Center of Progress Building. Significant additions followed in 1912 and 1913, including the Cattle and Poultry Buildings and a new main gate, and the Horticulture Building and fountain were completed in 1933. Recognized as the first State Fair in America, New York's continues to be one of the largest and most successful in the country, hosting around one million visitors annually for agricultural demonstrations, midway attractions, industrial and mercantile exhibitions, and concerts.