Texas Centennial Exposition Buildings (1936-1937)

a.k.a. Fair Park;Site of Texas State Fairs 1886-date

Bounded by Texas and Pacific RR, Pennsylvania, Second, and Parry Aves., Dallas, TX
The Texas Centennial Exposition was not only a celebration of Texas independence but also of Texas and Western culture. The 1936-37 Exposition was also a festival of architecture, which embraced the then-new International style of architecture. Traditionally, world fairs are the testing grounds for new ideas in building design; Dallas and its Exposition architects chose to reflect the style of the Exposition Des Arts Decoratifs in Paris in 1925. They were also influenced by the recently completed "Century of Progress" in Chicago (1933-34), where the International style of architecture was prominently displayed.

The significance of Fair Park extends beyond the architectural theme of the remaining buildings. Fair Park is one of the largest intact groupings of Exposition buildings remaining in the United States. Most World Fairs or Exposition grounds in the United States have been demolished, except for one or two exceptional buildings. However, many of the original 1936 buildings and open spaces remain today from the Texas Centennial Exposition, even though several were constructed as "temporary" structures.

Fair Park is also significant in terms of urban design, open space design, and artwork and sculpture. The Exposition architecture expressed monumentality in design, but this was reinforced by the open spaces and landscaping that the buildings were sited around. The grounds were planned on two landscape design themes: a Beaux-Arts theme that involved grand plazas and vistas that intersected or were terminated by major buildings, and a pastoral theme that used winding paths, random landscaping, and building siting to create a very informal atmosphere. The majority of these open spaces, both formal and informal, exist today in one of America's most well-planned parks. Four major open space areas (and their buildings) still remain Esplanade of State (Grand Plaza-- Esplanade of State--Texas Court of Honor); Agrarian Parkway and The Chute; Federal Concourse (Federal Concourse--Constitution Place--Stadium Plaza); and the Lagoon and Centennial Drive. These spaces combine to create a series of monumental spaces, formal vistas, landscaping, and pastoral images unparalleled in a planned park in Texas and the Southwest.

The sculptures, murals, and other artwork remaining from the Exposition are also significant. Often intended to be "temporary" artwork, they reinforced the monumentality of the buildings and the open space design in Fair Park. Many of the artists studied in Paris; their work remains in exterior spaces as sculptures and murals, and inside many of the buildings in the Park.

The idea of a Texas Centennial is generally attributed to Governor James S. Hogg, when in 1903, he expressed the hope for a fitting observance of the State's first 100 years. This need was again addressed on November 6, 1923, when Theodore H. Price, a New York editor attending the meeting of the Tenth District Associated Advertising Club of America at Corsicana, Texas, proposed that Texas should have a gigantic celebration between 1936 and 1945. The notion took hold and, by 1934, $100,000 had been appropriated by the State to finance the initial Centennial effort, and two committees, the Centennial Advisors Board and the Texas Centennial Commission, had been set up to oversee its development.

The location of the Centennial became the next problem to solve. Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas were obvious contenders. R. L. Thornton, the president of the Dallas Chamber of Commerce, led the effort to get "Big D" selected as the site. His proposal offered the Commission a site that met their minimum 200-acre requirement. Additionally, the citizens of Dallas approved municipal bonds valued at $3 million for the construction of museums and exhibition halls. Dallas was selected by the Commission.3 A corporation was organized to operate the Exposition with Fred F. Florence as president, Nathan Adams as chairman of the board, and R. L. Thornton, vice-chairman of the board, in recognition of his previous work on the project.

The existing state fairgrounds were expanded to almost 300 acres for the Exposition. Most of the structures were built under the direction of George L. Dahl and Paul Cret, a consulting architect from Philadelphia. As "Centennial Architect," Dahl was responsible for the design of the buildings and the Exposition grounds. This was not a new task for Dahl, for he had been active in the previous five years, working with supporters of the city to ensure that Dallas would host the 1936 exposition. Dahl had completed preliminary concepts for the planning and architecture of the Exposition grounds even before Dallas' selection as the host city.

George Dahl, the Centennial's principal architect, received his undergraduate degree in architecture from the University of Minnesota and a Master's Degree from the Graduate School of Architecture at Harvard in 1922. As a result of exceptional work at Harvard, Dahl received the Nelson Robinson, Jr., traveling fellowship. From his 18 months of study in Europe, he wrote Portals, Doorways, and Windows of France (1925). During World War II he designed shops, warehouses, and repair depots for the War Department. His firm designed the Dallas Morning News building; nineteen buildings on the University of Texas campus at Austin, including the Texas Memorial Stadium; and the Texas Centennial Exposition.

Dahl had the responsibility of renovating the existing fairground buildings, designing the Federal Building, and coordinating the design of the remaining buildings by other teams of architects. The office of "Centennial Architect" was also responsible for the design of the Exposition grounds, which included open spaces and landscaping, sculptures, artwork, exterior site elements (pylons, seating, lighting, and signage), and the extensive exterior nighttime lighting performances. Dahl was aided considerably in the design of the grounds by Donald E. Nelson, a member of the staff.

Dahl's concept for the design theme of the Exposition was "southwestern" in that it would "... exemplify the color, romance, and grandeur that had marked the development of Texas and the great Southwest. The Romance of Spain and Mexico, combined with the culture of the old South." This regional flavor, intermingled with modern concepts, was the basic design style for the renovation of existing structures and the design of new buildings. The architectural motif of the Texas Centennial Exposition buildings was modern in its disposition of large, unadorned, and unbroken masses; geometric crispness; and bold color. In many ways, it was a fortunate choice of style because it was aesthetically pleasing in the contrast of its stark monumentality against the expansive flatness of North Texas and the brightness of the Southwestern sun. Today this style of architecture is referred to as Art Deco, for its roots in the 1925 Paris exposition.

On June 6, 1936, the Centennial opened. "The Empire on Parade" extolled Texans' accomplishments in agriculture, livestock, and industry.8 In addition to the serious exhibits, the giant cash register of the National Cash Register Corporation tallied each day's attendance. There was a scale model of the Alamo and a replica of the "Jersey Lily," the courtroom of the renowned Judge Roy Bean, the "Law West of the Pecos."

The Midway, with its controversial "Streets of Paris," offered nude females. The City of Dallas was forced, after civic outrage, to require minimal attire on the beauties. Other popular attractions were Robert Ripley's Auditorium, "Believe It or Not," with its collection of strange people and articles, and the Little America Exhibit, set up by Adm. Richard E. Byrd to resemble his base camp in Antarctica.10 The Centennial closed for the season on November 29 -- but was renamed the Greater Texas and Pan American Exposition continued in 1937, from June 12 to October 31.

The Site Before and After the Exposition
The use of the Centennial site for the Dallas State Fair began in 1886, with the chartering of the Dallas State Fair and Exposition. In 1904, 2 years after a fire destroyed a number of buildings on the site and the Texas legislature ended horse racing, the owners, in financial difficulties, exchanged the deed to the fairgrounds with the City of Dallas for money to pay off their debts. The City converted the horse track on the ground to an automobile racing track and built new entrance gates and an administration building. Construction continued through 1936, including the (first) full-time public museum in Dallas (1908) and the Textile and Fine Arts Building. The Cotton Bowl was built on the racetrack site in 1930.

The Texas Centennial Exposition grounds continue to be the site of the annual Texas State Fair. Some of the buildings have been adapted for that use. The Hall of State, Museum of Natural History, Museum of Fine Arts, Science Place, Garden Center, and Aquarium are used as museums. The Music Hall, now known as Fair Park Music Hall, is used as a theater. In preparation for the Texas Sesquicentennial in 1986 and, with an awareness of the historic significance of the site, the City of Dallas has committed itself to the restoration of the park. The Automobile Building is receiving a facade in the style of the Centennial, and its porticos are being constructed to match those that were on the Electric, Communications, and Varied Industries buildings. Walkways and other buildings are also being restored.
Local significance of the district:
Entertainment/recreation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet. The flower blooms in the spring and is a common sight along the highways and in fields throughout the state.
Dallas County, located in northern Texas, has a rich history that has contributed to its growth and significance. Here is a concise summary of its historical journey:

Established in 1846, Dallas County played a crucial role in the development of North Texas. The county's namesake, George Mifflin Dallas, was the Vice President of the United States at the time. The city of Dallas, the county seat, quickly emerged as a center for trade and commerce due to its strategic location along major transportation routes.

During the late 19th century, Dallas County experienced rapid economic growth driven by industries such as cotton, railroads, and cattle. The city of Dallas became a major hub for cotton trading, attracting business and establishing itself as a prominent financial center in the Southwest.

In the 20th century, Dallas County continued to evolve and diversify its economy. The discovery of oil in the nearby East Texas Oil Field in the early 1900s led to the development of the oil industry in the region, contributing to the county's prosperity. The county also played a significant role in the aerospace industry, hosting the headquarters of major aerospace companies and contributing to the growth of aviation technology.

Dallas County's cultural landscape reflects its vibrant and diverse population. The county is home to a wide range of cultural institutions, including museums, art galleries, theaters, and music venues. Dallas County also played a notable role in the civil rights movement, with important milestones in the fight for equality and integration.

Today, Dallas County stands as a major economic and cultural center. It boasts a robust economy supported by various industries, including finance, technology, healthcare, and telecommunications. The county is known for its thriving arts scene, professional sports teams, and diverse culinary offerings.

With its rich history, economic vitality, and cultural significance, Dallas County continues to shape North Texas as a dynamic and influential region.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Dallas County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The area was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Caddo, Wichita, and Comanche.

  • 1839: Dallas County was officially established and named after George Mifflin Dallas, the Vice President of the United States under President James K. Polk.

  • Mid-19th Century: Dallas County experienced significant growth with the establishment of Dallas as a trading post and the arrival of settlers drawn by the opportunities in trade and agriculture.

  • Late 1800s: The county prospered with the expansion of railroads, particularly the Texas and Pacific Railway and the Houston and Texas Central Railroad, which solidified Dallas as a major transportation hub.

  • Early 20th Century: Dallas County saw a surge in economic development and urbanization. Industries such as oil, cotton, banking, and manufacturing fueled the city's growth.

  • 1960s: Dallas County gained national attention due to its role in the civil rights movement. The city of Dallas was the site of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963.

  • Late 20th Century: Dallas County continued to experience rapid growth and diversification, becoming a major center for business, finance, and telecommunications. The county is known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, including the Dallas Arts District.

  • Today, Dallas County is the second-most populous county in Texas and home to the city of Dallas, a thriving metropolitan area.