The Manufactures Building was framed by massive
arching steel beams. Buildings framed in steel need fewer supports
compared to wood framed buildings. With fewer supports and columns
holding up the roof of a building, you get a great deal more
floor space. The Manufactures building was 1,687 ft. by 787 ft.
with about forty acres of floor space inside. It was covered
by massive roof of iron and glass over 312 ft. high. The building
could seat 300,000 people. That is about three times the size
of the largest stadium in the U.S. today (12/2002).
Bancroft, Hubert Howe. The Book of the Fair. Chicago: The Bancroft Company, 1893. Further reproduction or distribution is prohibited without permission. |
