August 1, 1883 President Chester A. Arthur opened the Southern Exposition of "Art, Industry and Agriculture."
The 40 acre grounds extended from Park Ave. to Hill St, and from 4th to 6th Streets.
The two story 600' X 900' main building, McDonald Bros. and curtain architecture was on the present site of St. James, fountain and Belgravia courts.
The art gallery and promenade where in Central Park, the marvel of the Exposition was the lighting of 4600 Edison incandescent light bulbs.
