Chicago's World's Fair of 1893 from "summary" of The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
The White City of the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893 was a marvel of architectural beauty and innovation. The fairgrounds covered more than 600 acres and featured grand neoclassical buildings that gleamed in the sunlight. The centerpiece was the Court of Honor, a vast expanse of white buildings adorned with sculptures and fountains that dazzled the eyes of visitors. Architects from around the world had come together to create a breathtaking spectacle that showcased the latest advancements in technology, art, and culture. The fair was a celebration of human achievement and ingenuity, a testament to the progress of the modern age. Visitors marveled at the exhibits that showcased inventions like the Ferris wheel, which towered over the fairgrounds and offered breathtaking views of the city. But beneath the surface of this grand spectacle lurked a darker reality. The fair attracted millions of visitors from around the country, creating a bustling city within a city where crime and corruption thrived. The fairgrounds became a haven for pickpockets, swindlers, and con artists who preyed on unsuspecting tourists. The streets were filled with the sounds of music and laughter, but also with the shouts of vendors and the cries of victims. Amidst the chaos and excitement of the fair, a sinister figure moved unnoticed through the crowds. H. H. Holmes, a charming and handsome doctor, used the fair as a hunting ground for his twisted desires. He built a hotel near the fairgrounds that he called the "Murder Castle," a labyrinthine maze of rooms and corridors where he lured his victims to their deaths. As the fair drew to a close, Holmes's dark deeds were finally brought to light, exposing the seedy underbelly of the White City. The World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 was a triumph of human creativity and ambition, a shining example of what could be achieved through hard work and dedication. But it was also a reminder of the darkness that lurks beneath the surface of even the most beautiful facade. As visitors left the fairgrounds and returned to their everyday lives, they carried with them memories of both wonder and horror, a testament to the complex and contradictory nature of the human experience.
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