"You will enter A Century of Progress for the first time perhaps like an explorer-curious and eager-penetrating an amazingly rumored domain in search of treasure." -Official Guide Book to the Fair, 1933 One century after
Chicago's incorporation, the city hosted the 1933 World's Fair, which was so successful it was held over for 1934. Aptly named "A Century of Progress," the fair confirmed Chicago's emergence as a major American city. Like the phoenix from the ashes, Chicago emerged from its
devastating fire of 1871 as one of the most architecturally significant and aesthetically inviting cities in the world. On 424 lakeside acres located on Chicago's near south side, the Fair brought together innovators and inventors from around the world. Chicagoans hosted visitors from all corners of the globe, commemorating human progress, despite the
Great Depression that was devastating the nation's economy.
Background Information
Chicago, Illinois, is the largest city on the Great Lakes. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 killed hundreds and destroyed much of Chicago, but the city was quickly rebuilt on an even larger scale. The American economy felt into a slump after the Crash of 1929 and continued at low levesl throughout the next decade.