At the time, the exposition was larger than any previous American exhibition with the exception of the Centennial Exposition held in Philadelphia in 1876. U.S. President Chester A. Arthur opened the first annual exposition on August 1, 1883.
At the time, the exhibition was larger than any previous American display ever held, except for the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876. U.S. President Chester A. Arthur inaugurated the first annual exposition on August 1, 1883.