The Trans Mississippi International Exposition of 1898 and the concurrent
Indian Congress were held in Omaha, Nebraska from June 1, 1898 through
November 1, 1898. The Exposition showcased the developed West from the
Mississippi River to the Pacific Coast. Business and community leaders
from the 24 states and territories lying west of the Mississippi
River envisioned the Trans Mississippi Exposition as a way to revitalize
the regional economy and to show that the West had recovered from the
financial panic of 1893.
During the four months of the Exposition, over
2,600,000 people came to view it's 4,062 exhibits. The exhibits feature
social achievements, economic productivity, and community growth of the
western region. The Exposition stretched from 24th Street east to Sherman
Avenue and from Pinkney Street north to Ames Avenue. Overall, it covered
about 108 city blocks. The grand buildings of the Exposition no longer
exist because of the poor quality of the construction materials. Most of
the structures were built using green wood and plaster in order to keep the
cost of these immense buildings down.
Another historically significant part of the Exposition was the
Indian Congress. This Congress, occurring within a decade of the end of the
Indian Wars, was the largest Native American gathering of its kind. It
allowed social and cultural exchange between tribes and educational
opportunity for visitors. The photographs of the Indian Congress include
up to 500 individuals from 28 tribes.
The
photographic collection
is all that remains for the historians to
view.
The Omaha Public Library collection consists of approximately 1800
photographs of the Trans Mississippi Exposition. These photographs were
taken by
F.A. Rinehart, the official photographer of the Trans Mississippi and the
only photographer allowed on the grounds. Over 500 of these photographs
include portraits and scenes from the Indian Congress. Other
memorabilia items also remain at the Omaha Public Library including
numerous documents like tickets and programs. A listing of these
documents are located in an One
such item is the original
"Secretary's Report"
from the Trans Mississippi Exposition. This document includes much
information about the events and happenings of the Trans Mississippi.
Other items include ride
tickets, press passes, stock certificates, and medals awarded at the
Trans Mississippi.
Welcome to the TransMississippi and International Exhibition of 1898.
The web
team hopes that you enjoy your stay.
© Omaha Public Library 1998