Reliving the Pan-American Exposition 125 Years Later
It was 125 years ago when the fate of our country changed right here in Buffalo. Millions gathered in our city for 1901’s Pan-American Exposition, a world’s fair spanning 350 acres just north of Delaware Park that celebrated America’s achievements at the turn of the 20th century. Visitors strolled down promenades, marveled at beautifully designed buildings and dynamic exhibits, and enjoyed thrilling, state-of-the-art Midway rides like the “Trip to the Moon” and “House Upside Down.” Crowds flocked to see the illuminated buildings and grounds each evening, a spectacle that helped Buffalo earn the nickname of the “City of Light.”
That fanfare ground to a halt on September 6, 1901, when an assassin fatally shot President William McKinley at the exposition’s Temple of Music. Vice President Theodore Roosevelt rushed to Buffalo to take the oath of office, ushering in one of the most significant American presidencies. Several weeks later, the exposition ended. Demolition crews tore down most of the exposition grounds the following winter, and a quiet neighborhood rose in its place.
But thankfully, not all was lost. You can still relive this pivotal period in American history at these attractions:
The Buffalo History Museum
1 Museum Court, buffalohistory.org
The Buffalo History Museum is a National Historic Landmark and the only remaining permanent structure from the event. Originally constructed as the fair’s New York State Building, the museum features an orientation exhibit to the exposition on its main floor that features historic images and paintings. Head upstairs to the Continuum exhibit to see the actual gun the assassin used. Or check the museum’s calendar for seasonal Pan-Am walking tours that explore the surrounding former grounds.
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
641 Delaware Ave., trsite.org
The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, a couple miles south of the former exposition grounds, is one of only a handful of places outside the nation’s capital where a U.S. president took the oath of office. Meticulously preserved and restored, the TR Site recreated the library where Roosevelt was sworn in as well as other rooms of the former Ansley Wilcox residence. Step back in time to 1901 and consider the world from President Roosevelt’s perspective through a series of interactive exhibits.
