The Wild Story Of Chicago's 1893 World's Columbian Exposition

August 9, 2022

Near the turn of the 20th century, four classical American cities vied to host the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. The massive World Fair attracted more than 27 million people from all corners to mark the landing of Christopher Columbus while creating the now defunct holiday in the process. New York, Chicago, St. Louis, and D.C. all promised financing in the $100 million range in today’s money for the honor of hosting the monumental event.

Can you imagine this in Chicago today?

In the end, Chicago won out and turned 630 acres of Jackson Park and around Midway into a palatial playground with over 65,000 exhibits. Many historic firsts at the Columbian Exposition included diet soda, Aunt Jemima syrup, and even Chicago’s own Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit gum! In a much darker turn, the massive influx of people and uncertainty created the perfect storm for infamous serial killer H.H. Holmes. Let us take you back to Chicago circa 1893.

Chicago World's Columbian Exposition 1893 including the Republic statue and Administration Building. Wikipedia

Swinging You Know Whats

The final two cities in the bid for World’s Columbian Exposition came down to long-time rivals Chicago and New York. A venerable list of rich guys squared off to see who could plop down the most cash. For New York Cornelius Vanderbilt, William Waldorf Astor and J. P. Morgan eventually fell to Marshall Field, Philip Armour, Gustavus Swift, and a last-minute push from banking magnate Lyman Gage.