The Great Central Fair took place from June 7 until June 28 of 1864[1] in the Logan Circle park in Philadelphia.[2] It was inspired by past sanitary fairs that happened throughout the United States to raise funds for the United States Sanitary Commission.[3]
The main exhibit building was 200,000 square feet in size.[3] There was also Union Street, which was 540 feet long and ran in the middle of the fair.[1] Union Street was compared to a cathedral by Charles J. Stille. Inside the main building were "departments" with different themes. Themes included the neighboring states of New Jersey and Delaware, themes about corn and sewing, a restaurant and parlor, as well as weaponry, fine art, curiosities, transportation and children's subjects.[3]
On June 16, Abraham Lincoln and his family visited the fair. He donated 48 copies of the Emancipation Proclamation at $10 a book. They were all autographed by Lincoln. The festival raised over $1 million.[1]
