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Lost History

Washington’s Proposed 1892 World’s Fair: The Unbuilt Plan

A bird’s-eye drawing of the proposed World’s Exposition of 1892 and Permanent Exposition of the Three Americas in Washington. Chicago won the fair instead.

1 min readUpdated
Birdseye view of the National Capital, including the site of the proposed World's Exposition of 1892 and Permanent Exposition of the Three Americas
Birdseye view of the National Capital, including the site of the proposed World's Exposition of 1892 and Permanent Exposition of the Three Americas
Birdseye view of the National Capital, including the site of the proposed World's Exposition of 1892 and Permanent Exposition of the Three Americas
Birdseye view of the National Capital, including the site of the proposed World’s Exposition of 1892 and Permanent Exposition of the Three Americas (Library of Congress)

The World’s Fair or World’s Columbian Exposition was the celebration of the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ arrival in the New World. Several cities vied for the privilege of hosting the fair, including New York, Washington, and St. Louis. Alas, Chicago beat out the contestants, but above is a drawing of the proposed layout, should the fair have been held in Washington.

Also, check out the bridge where Memorial Bridge stands today. It appears to be the unbuilt bridge in honor of Ulysses Grant.

Some of our stories are researched and written with help from AI, and checked by a person before they run. Here’s how we use AI.

Filed underLost History

Topics1890s · National Mall

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