Bird’s Eye View World’s Columbian Exposition

Vibrant aerial view of the 1893 Columbian Exposition.

The Columbian Exposition held at Chicago’s Jackson Park in 1893 is one of the most iconic events in the (relatively short) history of the great city. Less than 25 years after a devastating fire destroyed much of its downtown, Chicago rapidly rebuilt to surpass New York, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. as the host of a World’s Fair to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ arrival to the New World. Though it opened a year later than originally hoped, the fair was a tremendous success and saw over 27 million attendees during its six-month run.

This beautiful bird’s eye view of the Columbian Exposition was published in 1893 by The Orcutt Company of Chicago. It offers a sweeping perspective of the fairgrounds situated along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, shown almost completely isolated from the rest of the city. The massive Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building dominates the center, while in the upper right can be seen the Fine Arts Building. Today’s Museum of Science and Industry is a permanent replica of the structure.

Source: Chicago Architecture Center;