The first major  World's Fair in America, was the US Centennial Exposition of 1876 that was held in Philadelphia, PA. The purpose of the fair was to commemorate the 100 Anniversary of American Independence. Participants included all states and territories, plus 49 foreign countries. President. U.S. Grant attended the opening day ceremonies and Alexander Graham Bell first exhibited his telephone here.

This exposition was attended by over 10,000,000 visitors. It emphasized machines and mechanical progress and was intended to encourage future industrial expansion. It also showed the world that America was grown up and ready to take its place among the world nations.

Medals from this fair are historic, beautiful, run from scarce to rare and above all are highly collectable.

The Columbian Exposition was a World's Fair held in Chicago in 1892-1893 to celebrate the 400th Anniversary of Columbus' discovery of the New World. It was known at the time as the "Great White City" because of the white classic structures present. The Exposition was built on the lake shore in Jackson Park on the South Side of Chicago. Artificial lagoons were created around the main buildings. These buildings were built in uniformity in classical architectural style.

Some say that impact of this fair far exceeded all of the World's Fairs in glamor, interest and historical importance and it had almost three times the attendance of the 1876 World's Fair held in Philadelphia. Among the events of the Exposition was Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show, in which Sitting Bull was a featured attraction. There was a wide variety of entertainment including the famous Ferris Wheel that held 4000 passengers at once !

The Columbian Exposition inspired future celebrations in many parts of the Western world.

For my collection I've retained the above .. two of the most beautiful medals .. from the two most historic Expositions.