A benchmark in San Francisco history, the Panama-Pacific International Exposition reflected the ascendance of the United States to the world stage and highlighted San Francisco’s grandeur. It drew nearly nineteen million visitors. The exhibition was intended to be temporary—the buildings being made of wood, plaster, and burlap to make them easy to demolish. The only portion to survive is the Palace of Fine Arts, which was rebuilt in the ‘60s with more permanent materials.
