These non-extant structures were built for the celebration of Tennessee’s 100th year of statehood that opened May 1, 1897, at Nashville’s Centennial Park (2814 West End Avenue), and continued for six months, closing on October 31, 1897. The formal celebration of Tennessee’s 100th birthday occurred on June 1, 1896, with a grand inaugural day parade commemorating the centennial anniversary of Tennessee’s statehood (Tennessee was admitted to the Union in 1796 as the 16th state). The Tennessee Centennial Exposition was a great success and drew approximately 1.8 million visitors. The opening exercises were held in the Auditorium, with the Legislature, Gov.
