1936 Texas Centennial

A century after winning its independence from Mexico, Texas celebrated in a ... well, big way.

Opening on June 6, 1936, and continuing through November of that year, the world discovered Texas and — most specifically, Dallas — with the first world's fair to take place south of the Mason-Dixon line in the United States.

The awe-inspiring exhibits of the Texas Centennial Exposition focused on modern America ... well, as modern as science, energy, agriculture and communications were in 1936. Popular Centennial presentations included The Cavalcade of Texas, an outdoor pageant that depicted four centuries of Texas history, and the National Folk Festival, which had unprecedented participation from African-American performers.

Within days of the Exposition's opening ceremonies, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor arrived in Dallas. They made their way from the Dallas Union Terminal railroad station (now Union Station) and traveled in an open car the length of Dallas' Main Street, greeted by crowds and ticker tape.

Upon reaching Fair Park, President Roosevelt's car rolled down a ramp and into the Cotton Bowl where a roar of approval went up from the 50,000 in attendance.

Thanks to the Centennial, 1936 has often been referred to as "the year America discovered Texas." However, the Exposition's most delicate gift to the world may have been its architecture.

For the Exposition, more than 50 buildings were constructed in Beaux-Arts and Art Deco architectural styles. Many of these — along with their lavish murals, beautiful frescoes, and extraordinary sculptures — have been restored and can be enjoyed today.

Still considered "at risk" by historic preservationists, however, some Fair Park buildings and works of art still need attention. The Friends of Fair Park continue to work to preserve the historically significant architecture of the 1936 Texas Centennial.

You can help by supporting the Friends of Fair Park.