Was the Jefferson Memorial Building built for the 1904 Worlds Fair?
No. The neoclassical building was built with proceeds from the World’s Fair to honor President Thomas Jefferson’s role in the Louisiana Purchase. It was dedicated in 1913. It was built on the site of the main entrance to the 1904 World’s Fair and was designed by Isaac S. Taylor, who was also the chief architect of the Fair. In 1913 the Jefferson Memorial Building was the only monument of national stature honoring Thomas Jefferson, preceding the more famous domed structure in Washington, D.C., by 25 years.
