The Pan-American Exposition in 1901 brought millions of people to Buffalo for a celebration of the industry and culture of the Americas. What they found was a toast to the new hope of the 20th century, the progress of electricity (specifically the advances hydro-electric power and Niagara Falls) and the growing prosperity of the City of Buffalo.
The ornate exposition grounds were set up on the west expanses of Delaware Park with palatial buildings, waterways, and pavilions that highlighted exhibits from all parts of the Western Hemisphere. Three buildings were set up by the U.S. Government – the Fishery, the Government and the Colonial – but collectively they were thought of to be one building.
The Government building displayed exhibits on the War and Navy, Agriculture, Treasury, Post Office and different bureaus of the State Department. Visitors could do things ranging from taking free x-rays and to seeing the products of America's news island dependencies, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Hawaii.
