E. R. Danner in Omaha in Douglas County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition of 1898
Photographed By Paul Crumlish, July 8, 2010
1. Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition of 1898 Marker
At this site in 1898, Omaha hosted the Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition. Following the model of other “world's fairs,” the exposition highlighted the “Progress of the West,” drawing over 2.5 million admissions.
The exposition grounds encompassed an area from Ames to Binney, and 13th to 24th Streets. The Grand Court, from 16th to 24th Streets between Pinkney and Pratt, featured magnificent, though temporary, buildings around a five-block-long lagoon. The exhibition indulged Victorian curiosity about world cultures and featured the latest arts and sciences. Exotic midway displays, such as the “Streets of All Nations,” were complemented by a giant seesaw, wild animals, and an encampment of Native Americans performing mock battles and traditional dances. Many exhibits focused on the wonders of modern technology such as incubators, X-rays, and incandescent lighting.
“Peace Jubilee Week” in October celebrated the end of the Spanish-American War with a visit from President William McKinley. The war's aftermath, including the acquisition of America's first colony, the Philippines, was highlighted in 1899 during the Greater America Exposition, held on the remodeled Trans-Mississippi grounds. All of the buildings were later removed.
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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #25 William McKinley, and the Nebraska State Historical Society series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1898.
Location. 41° 17.44′ N, 95° 56.539′ W. Marker is in Omaha, Nebraska, in Douglas County. It is in E. R. Danner. Marker is at the intersection of Florence Boulevard and Pinkney Street, on the left when traveling north on Florence Boulevard. The marker is located in Kountze Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Omaha NE 68110, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Buffalo Bill at the Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition and Indian Congress of 1898 (a few steps from this marker); Malcolm “X” (approx. 1.1 miles away); Joseph Francis Bauman (approx. 1.2 miles away); Spanish-American War Memorial (approx. 1.3 miles away); John Wesley Nichols (approx. 1.3 miles away); Alfred Sorenson (approx. 1.3 miles away); Johan and Sophia Ahmanson (approx. 1.3 miles away); William Davis Brown (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Omaha.
Also see . . .
Photographed By Paul Crumlish, July 8, 2010
2. Wide view of the Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition of 1898 Marker
Photographed By Paul Crumlish, July 8, 2010
3. Kountze Park
The site of the Grand Court and Lagoon of the Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition of 1898, now a suburban park and playground in suburban Omaha.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 13, 2010, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,500 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 13, 2010, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. 3. submitted on July 14, 2010, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.
