The Chicago World Fairs of 1893 and 1933 attracted an astounding number of visitors to the city. In each case the attendance numbers were equal to over 40% of the country’s population. This program answers two questions: what did they come to see, and how did they get here?

If the fairs were held today, most visitors would arrive by air. In both 1893 and 1933, the journey to Chicago was far more problematic. Most arrived by train, some came by lake steamers, and international visitors took Ocean Liners to the US. In 1933, adventurous motorists could travel on the still-primitive US Highways. The reward for a difficult journey -- expositions that showed the promise of a better future.