July 4 – Chicago's 1893 Worlds Fair

Oct. 14, 2026: “Revolution in the White City: How the Fourth of July was Celebrated at the 1893 World’s Fair” (online)
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Oct. 14, 2026: “Revolution in the White City: How the Fourth of July was Celebrated at the 1893 World’s Fair” (online)

EVENTS

Oct. 14, 2026: “Revolution in the White City: How the Fourth of July was Celebrated at the 1893 World’s Fair” (online)

The Glessner House in Chicago will host an online program "Revolution in the White City: How the Fourth of July was Celebrated at the 1893 World's Fair" on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 7 pm CDT. The presentation will be given by Scott Cummings, an independent researcher who publishes worldsfairchicago1893.com. Independence Day at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago was remembered as “the greatest Fourth of July celebration in the nation’s history.” A record crowd filled Jackson Park to [...]

By Scott|2026-09-10T09:08:38-05:00September 10th, 2026|Categories: EVENTS|Tags: July 4|0 Comments

Fourth at the Fair, Part 18: 330,542 People Celebrate
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Fourth at the Fair, Part 18: 330,542 People Celebrate

HISTORY

Fourth at the Fair, Part 18: 330,542 People Celebrate

The Fourth of July at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago was the biggest day yet at the Fair.

By Scott|2026-07-14T07:54:41-05:00July 15th, 2026|Categories: HISTORY|Tags: 1876 Centennial Exposition, cable car, Casino Pier, Charles T. Yerkes, Christopher Columbus (statue by Lawrence), elevated train, elevators (MLAB), Harlow Higinbotham, hospital, Illinois Central Railroad, Intramural Railway, July 4, Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building, North Pier, promenade (MLAB), Service Building, Terminal Station, Van Buren Street wharf, World’s Fair Steamship Company|2 Comments

Fourth at the Fair, Part 17: Fireworks of Unequaled Grandeur
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Fourth at the Fair, Part 17: Fireworks of Unequaled Grandeur

HISTORY

Fourth at the Fair, Part 17: Fireworks of Unequaled Grandeur

The Fourth of July at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago was the biggest day yet at the Fair.

By Scott|2026-07-15T08:48:20-05:00July 14th, 2026|Categories: HISTORY|Tags: Battleship Illinois, Carter Harrison, Casino Pier, Cold Storage Building, Columbian Guard, Court of Honor, Fire Department, fireworks, Francis Millet, George Washington, gondolas, Grand Basin, Harlow Higinbotham, July 4, Lake Michigan, North Pier, promenade (MLAB), search lights, Wooded Island|0 Comments

Fourth at the Fair, Part 16: Music for Independence Day
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Fourth at the Fair, Part 16: Music for Independence Day

HISTORY

Fourth at the Fair, Part 16: Music for Independence Day

The Fourth of July at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago was the biggest day yet at the Fair.

By Scott|2026-07-14T07:53:59-05:00July 13th, 2026|Categories: HISTORY|Tags: Austrian Village (Old Vienna), Carl Michael Ziehrer, Chicago Band, chimes (Machinery Hall), Cincinnati Band, Colorado State Building, Columbian Guard, Columbian March and Hymn, Exposition Orchestra, Festival Hall, Grover Cleveland, illumination, Iowa State Band, Iowa State Building, John Knowles Paine, John Philip Sousa, July 4, Ohio State Building, Pullman Band, Second Regiment Band, Theodore Thomas|0 Comments

Fourth at the Fair, Part 15: Around the Fairgrounds
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Fourth at the Fair, Part 15: Around the Fairgrounds

HISTORY

Fourth at the Fair, Part 15: Around the Fairgrounds

The Fourth of July at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago was the biggest day yet at the Fair.

Fourth at the Fair, Part 14: J. R. Burton’s Address to the Denizens of the Midway
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Fourth at the Fair, Part 14: J. R. Burton’s Address to the Denizens of the Midway

HISTORY

Fourth at the Fair, Part 14: J. R. Burton’s Address to the Denizens of the Midway

The Fourth of July at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago was the biggest day yet at the Fair.

By Scott|2026-07-13T07:24:34-05:00July 11th, 2026|Categories: HISTORY|Tags: American Indian Village, Austrian Village (Old Vienna), Carl Michael Ziehrer, Columbian Guard, Ferris Wheel, German Village, Hagenbeck's Animal Arena, July 4, Midway Concessionaire’s Club, Midway Plaisance, search lights, South Sea Islands Village|0 Comments

Fourth at the Fair, Part 13: A “patriotic pleasure-seeking procession” on the Midway Plaisance
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Fourth at the Fair, Part 13: A “patriotic pleasure-seeking procession” on the Midway Plaisance

HISTORY

Fourth at the Fair, Part 13: A “patriotic pleasure-seeking procession” on the Midway Plaisance

The Fourth of July at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago was the biggest day yet at the Fair.

Fourth at the Fair, Part 12: Liberty Bells, Old and New
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Fourth at the Fair, Part 12: Liberty Bells, Old and New

HISTORY

Fourth at the Fair, Part 12: Liberty Bells, Old and New

The Fourth of July at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago was the biggest day yet at the Fair.

By Scott|2026-07-08T06:51:31-05:00July 9th, 2026|Categories: HISTORY|Tags: 1876 Centennial Exposition, Charles H. Weisgerber, Columbian Liberty Bell, Daniel Burnham, Delaware State Building, Exposition Flag, George Simeon Knapp, John J. Boyle, John Paul Jones flag, July 4, Liberty Bell, Pennsylvania State Building, William McDowell|0 Comments

Fourth at the Fair, Part 11: In the Woman’s Building
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Fourth at the Fair, Part 11: In the Woman’s Building

HISTORY

Fourth at the Fair, Part 11: In the Woman’s Building

The Fourth of July at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago was the biggest day yet at the Fair.

By Scott|2026-07-09T08:20:04-05:00July 8th, 2026|Categories: HISTORY|Tags: Board of Lady Managers, Christopher Columbus, July 4, Woman's Building|0 Comments

Fourth at the Fair, Part 10: James S. Norton’s Oration and Reading
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Fourth at the Fair, Part 10: James S. Norton’s Oration and Reading

HISTORY

Fourth at the Fair, Part 10: James S. Norton’s Oration and Reading

The Fourth of July at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago was the biggest day yet at the Fair.

By Scott|2026-07-08T06:52:22-05:00July 7th, 2026|Categories: HISTORY|Tags: Carter Harrison, Columbian Liberty Bell, English Military Tournament, George R. Davis, James S. Norton, John Paul Jones flag, July 4, Martin B. Madden, William McDowell|0 Comments

Fourth at the Fair, Part 9: The Address of Hampton L. Carson
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Fourth at the Fair, Part 9: The Address of Hampton L. Carson

HISTORY

Fourth at the Fair, Part 9: The Address of Hampton L. Carson

The Fourth of July at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago was the biggest day yet at the Fair.

By Scott|2026-07-07T08:13:07-05:00July 6th, 2026|Categories: HISTORY|Tags: Caravels, Columbian Liberty Bell, July 4, Liberty Bell, Viking Ship|0 Comments

Fourth at the Fair, Part 8: Ringing the Columbian Liberty Bell
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Fourth at the Fair, Part 8: Ringing the Columbian Liberty Bell

HISTORY

Fourth at the Fair, Part 8: Ringing the Columbian Liberty Bell

The Fourth of July at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago was the biggest day yet at the Fair.

By Scott|2026-07-06T08:15:11-05:00July 5th, 2026|Categories: HISTORY|Tags: Battleship Illinois, clock tower, Columbian Liberty Bell, July 4, Martin B. Madden, Palmer House Hotel, Self-Winding Clock Company, U.S.S. Michigan, USS Andrew Johnson, William McDowell, William Stead|0 Comments

Fourth at the Fair, Part 7: Salute of the Flags
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Fourth at the Fair, Part 7: Salute of the Flags

HISTORY

Fourth at the Fair, Part 7: Salute of the Flags

The Fourth of July at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago was the biggest day yet at the Fair.

By Scott|2026-07-07T08:14:14-05:00July 4th, 2026|Categories: HISTORY|Tags: 1876 Centennial Exposition, Carter Harrison, John Paul Jones flag, July 4, New York Naval Review, Smithsonian Institution, William McKinley|0 Comments

Fourth at the Fair, Part 6: Mayor Carter Harrison Swings a Sword
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Fourth at the Fair, Part 6: Mayor Carter Harrison Swings a Sword

HISTORY

Fourth at the Fair, Part 6: Mayor Carter Harrison Swings a Sword

The Fourth of July at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago was the biggest day yet at the Fair.

By Scott|2026-07-04T08:28:32-05:00July 3rd, 2026|Categories: HISTORY|Tags: Caravels, Carter Harrison, Christopher Columbus, George R. Davis, John Paul Jones flag, July 4|0 Comments

Fourth at the Fair, Part 4: The Platform Party Arrives
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Fourth at the Fair, Part 4: The Platform Party Arrives

HISTORY

Fourth at the Fair, Part 4: The Platform Party Arrives

The Fourth of July at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago was the biggest day yet at the Fair.

By Scott|2026-07-06T12:13:39-05:00July 1st, 2026|Categories: HISTORY|Tags: Adlai Stevenson, American Exhibitors Association, Carter Harrison, Columbian Liberty Bell, Daniel Burnham, Exposition Flag, Francis Millet, George R. Davis, George Simeon Knapp, John Paul Jones flag, July 4, Martin B. Madden, Second Regiment Band, William McDowell|0 Comments

Fourth at the Fair, Part 3: A Sea of Patriots Floods the Fairgrounds
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Fourth at the Fair, Part 3: A Sea of Patriots Floods the Fairgrounds

HISTORY

Fourth at the Fair, Part 3: A Sea of Patriots Floods the Fairgrounds

The Fourth of July at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago was the biggest day yet at the Fair.

By Scott|2026-07-01T16:48:29-05:00June 30th, 2026|Categories: HISTORY|Tags: Administration Building, Battleship Illinois, Chocolate Menier, Columbian Guard, elevated train, English Military Tournament, George R. Davis, Grover Cleveland, Illinois Central Railroad, July 4, Machinery Hall, Martin B. Madden, Mines and Mining Building, Terminal Station, U.S. Government Building, U.S.S. Michigan, whaleback Christopher Columbus, World’s Congress Auxiliary Building|0 Comments

Fourth at the Fair, Part 2: Liberty Bells Old and New
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Fourth at the Fair, Part 2: Liberty Bells Old and New

HISTORY

Fourth at the Fair, Part 2: Liberty Bells Old and New

The Fourth of July at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago was the biggest day yet at the Fair.

By Scott|2026-06-30T08:23:44-05:00June 29th, 2026|Categories: HISTORY|Tags: 1876 Centennial Exposition, American Exhibitors Association, Bertha Palmer, Carter Harrison, Columbian Liberty Bell, Daniel Burnham, Francis Millet, John Altgeld, John Paul Jones flag, July 4, Katharine Lee Bates, Liberty Bell, Martin B. Madden, Midway Concessionaire’s Club, Pennsylvania State Building, Thomas W. Palmer|0 Comments

Fourth at the Fair, Part 1: Planning “America Day”
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Fourth at the Fair, Part 1: Planning “America Day”

HISTORY

Fourth at the Fair, Part 1: Planning “America Day”

The Fourth of July at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago was the biggest day yet at the Fair.

By Scott|2026-06-29T11:04:29-05:00June 28th, 2026|Categories: HISTORY|Tags: Board of Lady Managers, Columbian Liberty Bell, James W. Ellsworth, John Paul Jones flag, July 4, Martin B. Madden, William McDowell|0 Comments

“Ring the Bells!” by Richard Lew Dawson
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“Ring the Bells!” by Richard Lew Dawson

REPRINTS

“Ring the Bells!” by Richard Lew Dawson

Essayist, story writer, song writer, critic and poet, Richard Lew Dawson (1852–1921) wrote for many popular newspapers and magazines, including the Indianapolis Sentinel, Indianapolis Journal, Chicago Current, Saturday Herald, and Century Magazine. He was a founding member of the Western Association of Writers in 1886. A few years before his death on April 23, 1921, the Hoosier writer moved to San Francisco, where he departed this world on the anniversary of Shakespeare’s birthday. Dawson’s poem “Ring the Bells!,” celebrating [...]

By Scott|2026-06-12T13:46:16-05:00July 4th, 2024|Categories: REPRINTS|Tags: July 4|0 Comments

130. Picturesque World’s Fair – Fire-Works July 4th from the roof of the Manufactures Building
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130. Picturesque World’s Fair – Fire-Works July 4th from the roof of the Manufactures Building

REPRINTS

130. Picturesque World’s Fair – Fire-Works July 4th from the roof of the Manufactures Building

FIRE-WORKS JULY 4th FROM THE ROOF OF THE MANUFACTURES BUILDING.--A view of just such quality as was never had before and may not be had again for a long time was gained by those of the World's Fair visitors who witnessed a fire-works display from such vantage ground as the roof of the Manufactures Building afforded. Upon that great area in mid-air a host of people could be assembled and, on the warm summer nights, thousands improved the opportunity [...]

By Randy|2026-06-30T16:46:28-05:00November 25th, 2021|Categories: REPRINTS|Tags: fireworks, July 4, Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building, PICTURESQUE WORLD’S FAIR|0 Comments