Founded in 1886, the State Fair of Texas became the most largely attended state fair in the U.S. It began as a private, nonprofit corporation for civic purposes organized by Capt. W.H. Gaston and other pioneer business and civic leaders of Dallas. Since 1904, the city has owned the fair grounds and maintained them as a public park except during the annual two-week fair. The fair suspended operations for two years so the Central Exposition of the Texas Centennial Celebration could be held there in 1936, and in 1937 the Pan American Exposition used the grounds. Over the years, appearances there included Buffalo Bill, Harry Houdini, William Jennings Bryan, and Quanah Parker. Federal, state, and city governments erected permanent buildings on the grounds, including the Hall of State, five other museums, Music Hall, Livestock Coliseum, and the "Cotton Bowl." Originally 80 acres, the grounds were enlarged over time to 250 acres, and more than 100,000,000 people entered its gates during annual expositions.