Cotton Exposition of 1881

On August 25 1880 the Atlanta Constitution published a letter from Edward Atkinson of Boston suggesting an exhibition of tools, methods, products and processes affecting the growth and culture of cotton. The capital stock was quickly raised for such an exhibition to be held in Atlanta. The site was Oglethorpe Park located on the Western and Atlantic Railroad. The main building was shaped to represent a cotton factory in the form of a Greek cross. The Exposition opened on October 5th 1881 with a parade led by Captain Henry Jackson and included the 5th artillery band. It continued for 76 days. There were 1113 exhibits and over 3000 persons attended each day.