Alaskan Building, Indian Cabin and Totems
- Although Alaska was not part of the union at the time of
the fair I have included it in the State section.
Alaska's comprehensive exhibit at the Fair occupied a space on the Olympian
Way, in the western part of the rounds, not far from the Forestry, Fish
and Game Exhibit. The main building was 50 by 100 feet in area, with stately
Ionic columns. The other buildings were dwelling-houses of the Alaskan Indians,
and of native architecture, fitted with furnishings brought from the Territory.
Conspicuous in the group of buildings stood the tall totem poles, grotesquely
carved, and with a ceremonial significance that was not commonly understood.
They corresponded in some sense to a coat-of-arms. A collection of plants
illustrating the flora of Alaska was exhibited, and a splendid demonstration
was made of the natural beauties of the region. Hundreds of photographs,
showing picturesque Alaskan scenery, were on view. There was a very extensive
exhibit of minerals, furs and products of the soil. The central portion
of the lower floor in the main building was occupied by a colored relief
map made at Washington, from data obtained by the Geological Survey.
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If you have questions or comments regarding the 1904 World's Fair feel free
to contact me at
Terry's 1904 World's Fair Page.