University Archives Student Research Guide: Pan-American Exposition

The Pan American Exposition was held from May 1 to November 2, 1901, and occupied 342 acres north of Delaware Park. Intended as a showcase of America’s progress at the beginning of the 20^th century, the Exposition included educational exhibits, demonstrations of new technologies, and a Midway. As was the case with other world’s fairs and expositions, most of the structures were temporary, designed to be demolished shortly after the fair’s official closing. The only surviving structure from the Pan American Exposition is the former New York State Pavilion, now home to the Buffalo History Museum.

The Pan Am is best remembered today as the site of President William McKinley’s assassination by Leon Czolgosz on September 6, 1901. McKinley was greeting visitors to the Exposition inside the Temple of Music when Czolgosz approached him and shot him twice in the abdomen. McKinley died from his injuries on September 14, at the home of John Millburn, head of the Exposition's Board of Directors.