You will enter A Century of Progress for the first time perhaps like an explorer-curious and eager-penetrating an amazingly rumored domain in search of treasure. -Official Guide Book to the Fair, 1933One century after Chicago’s incorporation, the city hosted the 1933 World’s Fair, which was so successful it was held over for 1934. Aptly named A Century of Progress, the fair confirmed Chicago’s emergence as a major American city. Like the phoenix from the ashes, Chicago emerged from its devastating fire of 1871 as one of the most architecturally significant and aesthetically inviting cities in the world.On 424 lakeside acres located on Chicago’s near south side, the Fair brought together innovators and inventors from around the world. Chicagoans hosted visitors from all corners of the globe, commemorating human progress, despite the Great Depression that was devastating the nation’s economy.