The Pike (1904)

The Pike was a defining element of the 1904 World’s Fair. This mile-long attraction ran along what is now Lindell Boulevard and turned down Skinker Avenue and offered a mixture of exhibits, rides, stores, and themed restaurants. The average fair-goer could get a taste of several countries or be transported to another world all within an afternoon. As a result, the entertainments and experiences offered along the Pike helped separate the St. Louis World’s Fair from the World’s Fair hosted by Chicago just a decade prior. The Pike also introduced many people to new technologies, foods, and cultures. 

“Open ye gates. Swing wide, ye portals.” This declaration, made by David R. Francis, marked the opening of the 1904 World's Fair. Previously referred to as the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, the fair ran in St. Louis, Missouri from April 30th to December 1st. It commemorated the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase. The fair was revolutionary for the time and displayed new technologies and endeavored to offer authentic experiences of other cultures. Both an honest attempt at multiculturalism and a blend of commercial ambitions and Eurocentrism, the Fair represented this era's view of other cultures as exotic in ways that help to understand America's views of other nations at this time.

Over the course of three years, St. Louis’ Forest Park was transformed into the iconic fairground that attracted almost 20 million visitors. The fair took place on 1,200 acres of land and had over 1,500 buildings, most of which were temporary and destroyed after the fair concluded. 

St. Louis opened their gates to the world, and the world turned out. With over 60 countries and 43 out of 45 U.S states, the World’s Fair was the biggest event of its kind. Close to 20 million people journeyed to St. Louis to experience what the world had to offer. The fair displayed several technological inventions, many of which were showcased in The Pike. Baby incubators made their global debut at the World’s Fair. An exhibit was constructed where fairgoers could view premature babies in glass incubators while hearing a lecture on the new technology. People could also dine at the Incubator Cafe and buy baby-themed merchandise. The wireless telephone, X-Ray machines, and personal streetcar were also famous pieces of technology that made their debut at the World’s Fair. The fair also is credited for popularizing famous foods and drinks such as hamburgers, ice-cream cones, and Dr. Pepper. 

The Pike housed several rides that combined visual and physical elements to create a viewer experience that transported them to different lands. One famous ride was called Creation. This two-hour boat ride took viewers through a tomb of disembodied spirits to an amphitheater where each day of creation was reenacted. The ride ended with a flowery scene of the stairway to heaven. Another famous ride was Over And Under The Sea. This ride simulated a submarine trip to Paris where viewers saw underwater creatures and treasures. Then, they were lifted to the top of the Eiffel Tower and to overlook a miniature replica of Paris. To conclude, the passengers were “air lifted’ back to St. Louis while being shown scenes from all over the world. 

The Pike also had areas dedicated to several different countries. Buildings and scenes were constructed to replicate areas of different countries. While the global attractions were grand in construction, many of them included racist and Americanized versions of history. They were not all accurate depictions of the country they represented. Nonetheless, The Pike was one of the greatest contributions to the 1904 World’s Fair. It would take the average viewer almost six hours to see all of the exhibits on The Pike, excluding rides and shows. 

Bennett, Mark. “Louisiana Purchase Exposition: The 1904 St. Louis World's Fair.” MDH Splash, 2007, https://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/mdh_splash/default.asp?coll=muellis. 

Louisiana Purchase Exp. The True and Complete Story of the Pike and Its Attractions, World's Fair, St. Louis, U.S.A. Louisiana Purchase Exposition, 1909. 

Mike Greene. “1904: Down the Pike at the World's Fair.” Lafayette Square Archives, 4 Feb. 2022, https://lafayettesquarearchives.com/1904-down-the-pike-at-the-worlds-fair/. 

Pharus. Pharus-map World's Fair St. Louis. [S.l, 1904] Map. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/99466762/>.