At the 1893 World’s Fair were displayed many “firsts,” including the largest enclosed space ever built, the first electric railway, and the first mechanical dishwasher.

So what were the first exhibits to come to the Columbian Exposition? The two notices below, from the June 1891 and February 1892 issues of World’s Columbian Exposition Illustrated, reveal that Washington State and Japan sent the first American and first foreign exhibits to Chicago. This was quite early, considering that few of the buildings even stood on the fairgrounds at the time.

Timber display in the Washington State Building. [Image from Shepp, James W.; Shepp, Daniel B. Shepp’s World’s Fair Photographed. Globe Bible Publishing, 1893.]

EXHIBITS ALREADY COMING.

The first exhibit for the World’s Columbian Exposition, was shipped from Seattle, Washington a few days ago. It is a yellow pine tree measuring 113 feet in length, and 52 inches in diameter.

The Great Japanese Vases. [Image from Kilburn stereoscope card No. 8143.]

FIRST EXHIBIT RECEIVED.

The first consignment of exhibits for the World’s Fair from Japan has reached Chicago. The goods were sent by Kai Tsu Sha from the Exhibition Bureau of Tokio. They were consigned to S. Tijima, a Japanese resident, and consisted of fancy enamel trays, porcelain vases, water pitchers, earthen plates, etc. The whole is valued at 927.14 silver yen. The receipt of these goods entitles Japan to the honor of lining the first foreign country to send exhibits.