South Dallas in Dallas County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Texas Centennial Exposition

February 17, 2026

1. Texas Centennial Exposition Marker

Inscription. As plans began to take shape for the Centennial celebration of Texas Independence, a group of Dallas businessmen led by R.L. Thornton, Sr., Fred Florence, and Nathan Adams, joined together to promote the city as the host of the major Centennial event.

The Centennial Exposition Corporation, formed in 1935, took temporary control of the State Fair Grounds, and a team of over 100 architects, artists, and craftsmen soon began designing the exposition complex. Employing thousands of people in the midst of the Great Depression, the project resulted in the creation of impressive structures, works of art, and landscaping.

Officially opened by Gov. James Allred on June 6, 1936, activities of the exposition included a spectacular parade through downtown Dallas, guest speakers, and nationwide news coverage. In his speech to the crowd, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Daniel Roper declared, "America, here is Texas!" President and Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt visited the exposition on June 12.

The exposition ran for 178 days, entertaining over six million people. It was a turning point in the development of the city of Dallas and left a legacy of art, history, architecture, and culture to generations of Texans.

Erected 1988 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 6896.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Man-Made Features • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is June 6, 1936.

Location. 32° 46.902′ N, 96° 45.881′ W. Marker is in Dallas, Texas, in Dallas County. It is in South Dallas. It is on Esplanade Place north of 1st Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Marker is mounted on the ground opposite the Esplanade Fountain. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dallas TX 75226, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Continental D.A.R. House (within shouting distance of this marker); State Fair of Texas (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Frank E. Rutherford Veterinary Hospital (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hall of Negro Life (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hall of State (approx. 0.2 miles away); A Tribute to Texas Women in the Civil War (approx. 0.2 miles away); Johnny Graham and Graham’s Barber Shop (approx. 0.3 miles away); Fabulous Quarter Horse Steel Dust (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dallas.

Photographed by Kayla Harper, August 11, 2018

2. Texas Centennial Exposition Marker

Esplanade Fountain image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kayla Harper, August 11, 2018

3. Esplanade Fountain

Credits. This page was last revised on February 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2018, by Kayla Harper of Dallas, Texas. This page has been viewed 622 times since then and 66 times this year. Last updated on August 15, 2018, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. Photos: 1. submitted on February 17, 2026. 2, 3. submitted on August 12, 2018, by Kayla Harper of Dallas, Texas. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.