In 1904 187,798 people witnessed the opening ceremonies of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. This World's Fair was teh tribute to the 100th Anniversary of the expeditions of Lewis and Clark and to the Louisiana Purchase which extended west of the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains. Today we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition and the 200th Anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase.

In this scene, Jesse has brilliantly captured the Obervation Wheel, later named the "Ferris Wheel" after its creator. The massive structure could carry as many as 2000 people at a time. Jesse has also placed the "Louisiana Purchase Monument" in the center of his rendition of the fair. This monument commemorated the sigining of the Louisiana Purchase treaty in 1804. Finally, we have a full view of the "Palace of Electricity." This building was only one of many which were constructed as a tribute to all industries. Although their placement may not be historically correct, no artist could capture the magnificence of this incredible display of structure and lights like Jesse Barnes, the original Light Painter®.