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Introduction
The Pan-American Exposition of 1901 was the expression of Buffalo's resolve at the turn of the century and a representation of its hope for a glorious future. In 1901 Buffalo was the 8th largest city in the United States and due to its proximity to abundant hydroelectrical power was at the center of many technological and industrial developments.
The Exposition also incorporated many of the political sentiments of the day. The ideal of a union of Pan-American republics dated back to the first half of the 19th century and the International Union of American States was established at the First International Conference of American States in 1889-90. United States Secretary of State John M. Hay made reference to the history of these efforts in his address at the Pan-American Exposition on June 14, 1901, saying:
| "Last night, as I looked from my window at this marvelous creation, lined in fire upon the evening sky, and today as I have walked through the courts and the palaces of this incomparable exhibition, the words of the prophet have been constantly in my mind - Your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. We who are old have through many hopeful years dreamed this dream. It was noble, inspiring, leading to earnest and uplifting labor. This ideal of the brotherhood of the nations of the Western World is not a growth of yesterday. It was heralded when the country was young by the clarion voice of Henry Clay. It was cherished by Seward and Evarts, by Douglas and by Blaine. Twelve years ago we had the first reunion of the two American republics. Much was said and done, destined to be memorable in our history, opening and blazing the way along the path of peace and fraternal relations ... " |
Hay also expressed the sentiment that the way of the United States was the "right" way, representing goodness and light.
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"Out of a good source evil cannot flow, out of the light darkness cannot be born. The benignant influences that shall emanate from this great festival of peace shall not be bounded by oceans nor by continents." |
The Pan-American Exposition was a celebration of national ideals and local hopes. It was marked by the tragedy of President William McKinley's assassination. It showcased the latest advancements in technology while simultaneously perpetuating common stereotypes of ethnicity, race, gender, and class prevalent at the time. It offered visitors opportunities to be educated in a wide range of topics and provided them chances to be entertained by the delights of the Midway. A century later there are still lessons to be learned and treasures to be gleaned from a such a rich tapestry as this.
John M. Bewley, Coordinator
University Libraries Pan-American Exposition Exhibit Group
August 2001
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Last updated: 28 July 2005
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