Each edifice was constructed to serve only a temporary purpose none of the original buildings stand today. The Tennessee Centennial strove to replicate both the architecture and the success of Chicago’s fair, albeit on a somewhat smaller scale.Īn array of buildings covered the grounds of the Centennial Exposition. Chicago’s fair introduced the City Beautiful movement to the nation, which called for grand Classical buildings set in park-like environments, complete with reflecting pools and promenades. The success of the 1893 Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition established a benchmark for future fairs across the country. Thomas, was also president of the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. The president of the Centennial Exposition, John W.
Railroad companies’ promotion of the event undoubtedly aided its success, and most of the event’s organizers were railroad executives who realized the lucrative possibilities of a Nashville exposition. A railroad spur was constructed from downtown Nashville’s terminal to the Centennial grounds. Ultimately, these companies provided essential support for the Exposition: they staged dramatic exhibits in different buildings, offered discount fares and excursion lines to the Centennial grounds, and published regional advertising in niche publications such as the Confederate Veteran. Railroad companies enthusiastically supported plans for the Exposition. A nationwide economic recession, along with disagreements between the various divisions of the state, delayed the event until 1897. Killebrew addressed the Tennessee General Assembly with a speech entitled “The Centennial Exposition: Its Necessity and Advantages.” Despite this early discussion of an Exposition, the Tennessee fair was held a year late.
Thus began a half-year of joyous opportunity for the state’s citizens to commemorate the past hundred years of Tennessee’s achievements and history.ĭouglas Anderson, a Nashville lawyer, sent letters arguing for a centennial celebration to several influential Tennessee newspapers in 1892. While the president would not visit the Exposition until the next month, organizers of the event arranged for him to press an electric button in the White House that sparked equipment at the fair’s Machinery Building.
At twelve noon on May 1, 1897, President William McKinley officially opened the Tennessee Centennial Exposition in Nashville.
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