The
Pan-American Exposition was held in Buffalo, NY from May 1 to November 2, 1901
on a 342 acre site between Delaware Park Lake on the south, the New York Central
railroad tracks on the north, Delaware Avenue on the east, and Elmwood Avenue
on the west. The fair featured the latest technologies, including electricity,
and attracted nearly 8 million people. A midway provided rides and other entertainment;
athletic events took place at a specially constructed stadium.The African, Eskimo
and Mexican Villages were among the attractions. Some states as well as South
and Central American countries had their own buildings. After
the great success of the first two American World's Fairs, the Pan-American Exposition
opened in Buffalo in May 1901with hopes of bringing the economic benefits of an
exposition to northern New York state. The organizers hoped to show the benefits
of electric light made possible by hydroelectric power from Niagara Falls. Unfortunately,
a lack of local community enthusiasm led to weak financial support and the snowy
Great Lakes weather led to building delays. The
Exposition opened to moderate success and continued to generally good reviews.
The
most unusual aspect of the Pan-American was the color scheme of its buildings.
Unlike the pristine design of the "White City," the architectural plan of the
Pan-American was to build a "Rainbow City." The buildings were done in a Spanish
Renaissance style and were colored in hues of red, blue, green, and gold.The
Electric Tower, the focal point of the fair, was colored deep green with details
of cream white, blue, and gold. At night, thousands of electric lights outlined
the buildings. The
theme of the Pan-American Exposition was the linkage between the United States
and the other nations of the Western Hemisphere. Unfortunately, only a handful
of Latin-American countries sponsored major displays. Regional and national displays
were, however, much in evidence. A
major event of the Pan-American Exposition was to be the September visit of President
William McKinley. On September 6, after sightseeing at Niagara Falls, McKinley
attended a reception at the Exposition's Temple of Music. Leon Czolgosz, identified
as an anarchist, came through the receiving line with a revolver concealed in
a handkerchief and shot the President twice. Eight
days later, McKinley died of his wounds and Theodore Roosevelt became President.
The
death of President McKinley overshadowed the rest of the Exposition. Buffalo,
hoping to be seen as a prosperous, technologically-advanced city, would instead
be seen as the city of the assassination. |
