Pan-American Exposition

The Pan-American Exposition occupied this site from May to November 1901 as an international fair that highlighted the technological pre-eminence of the United States and trade and cooperation among the Americas. More than 8 million people came to see displays of electricity, infant incubators, manufacturing equipment, and other marvels of the day. Thomas Edison filmed the Exposition with his new motion picture camera, John Philip Sousa's band played, gondolas circled the grounds on man made canals, and exotic midway attractions and stadium events were crowned at sundown every day as lights came on all over the grounds. For most visitors it was their first encounter with a large scale display of electric light. The organizers hoped that Buffalo's access to cheap hydro-electric power and the fact that 40,000,000 people lived within a half day's train ride would encourage industry to locate in the area.

Buffalo, New York · United States