The World's Columbian Exposition was held in Chicago in 1893, from May to October. It was to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the New World. Also known as the Chicago World's Fair, that city bested New York City, Washington D.C., and St. Louis, MO. for the honor of hosting the fair. The event had a profound effect on architecture, the arts, and American industrialism. The Columbian Exposition was designed by Daniel Burnham. It covered over 600 acres, featuring new buildings of classical architecture, canals and lagoons, people and cultures from around the world. Over 27 million people (approx. half the US population) attended during the 6 month run. The scale and grandeur of the 15th ever world fair far exceeded all the others. In addition to commemorating the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America, it proved to the world that Chicago had risen from the ashes of the Great Chicago fire, which had destroyed it in 1871, and had again become a prosperous city. This reproduction collection which we now offer you is a symbol of hope and pride. May the quilts you make be as great to you as the World's Fair to Chicago.
