1876

US Centennial Banner

After ten years of planning, the United States Centennial Exposition was held in Philadelphia, Pennsyl-vania to celebrate one hundred years of nationhood in 1876. It was the focus of much attention in America for six months, from 10 May to 10 November 1876. The first official World's Fair in the U.S., the expo was wildly successful with thirty-seven nations participating and mounting exhibitions alongside the U.S. displays, totaling 30,000 exhibits. Fort Wayne had a presence. Mentioned in the press at the time were displays by Prentiss McLachlin & Company (boiler and steam engine), N. G. Olds & Sons (wagon wheels), Bowser, Prentiss & Falls (stationary engine) and Rogers, Duck & Lewis (carriage finishes).

This souvenir banner was created in 1876 for display during the United States Centennial. A wooden rod at top allowed it to be hung vertically.