In 1895 the city of Atlanta hosted the International and Cotton States Exposition held at the current location of Piedmont Park. The Exposition was held for 100 days beginning September 18. 1895 through December 31, 1895. The government allocated $250,000 for the construction of an administration building. Lake Clara Meer which was only a pond, was expanded to 11.5 acres. A tropical garden was made which is now the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. The Exposition was designed to promote the South to the world with an emphasis on trade with South America. The opening was presided over by President Grover Cleveland. There were many exhibits on display and numerous medals were awarded to the exhibitors. Some 634 Gold medals, 444 Silver Medals, and 495 Bronze medals were awarded. In addition, numerous commemorative medals were made specifically for the Exposition. The event sought to include all people, even African Americans. December 26 was Negro day. The Exposition is remembered mainly due to a speech given by Booker T. Washington on September 18, 1895. The speech was later called The Atlanta Compromise due to its message of segregation. One of the big events of the Exposition was the arrival of the liberty bell from Philadelphia. There was a great deal of resistance to moving the bell, but in the end the city of Philadelphia decided the bell belonged to all of America and not just the city. There were special commemorative medals and a pamphlet that accompanied the bell.
Picture source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piedmont_Park#The_1887_Piedmont_Exposition
