The 1904 World's Fair (Louisiana Purchase Exposition) and 1904 Olympics

This is a guide to primary and secondary sources available at St. Louis Public Library for researching the 1904 World's Fair (Louisiana Purchase Exposition) and Olympics held in St. Louis. Many of the materials are held in the Rare Books & Manuscripts Department at Central Library and can be requested by creating an AEON account.

The 1904 World’s Fair, officially called the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, was held in St. Louis, Missouri, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. Spanning 1,200 acres in Forest Park, the Fair displayed cutting-edge technology, arts, and global cultures, attracting nearly 20 million visitors over its seven-month run, from April 30 to December 1.

A major attraction was the showcase of emerging technologies, with innovations in electricity and transportation taking center stage. Visitors were introduced to the wireless telegraph, early automobiles, and airplanes, highlighting the rapid advancements in communication and mobility.

Cultural exhibits were also prominent, as countries presented their national achievements. However, the inclusion of living "anthropology villages," featuring people from colonized regions like the Philippines, Africa, and the Pacific Islands, sparked controversy. These displays reflected the imperialist ideologies of the era, raising concerns about human rights and representation.

The Fair is also remembered for introducing new foods to the American public, such as the now-iconic ice cream cone and Dr Pepper. Entertainment was abundant, with musical performances, amusement rides, and a large Ferris wheel drawing crowds.

Coinciding with the 1904 Summer Olympics - the first to be hosted in the U.S. - the Fair further boosted St. Louis' global prominence.

The Fair had a lasting impact on St. Louis, transforming the city both culturally and economically. It elevated St. Louis to international prominence, drawing millions of visitors and showcasing the city as a center of innovation and culture. The Fair led to significant infrastructural improvements, including the expansion of Forest Park and the development of public transit. A few of the Fair’s pavilions and cultural institutions, such as the St. Louis Art Museum, became permanent fixtures. 

Ultimately, the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair embodied the spirit of the early 20th century - an era of expansion, innovation, and complex global relations. It left a lasting legacy on the City of St. Louis and American culture, symbolizing both the progress and contradictions of its time.