The Republic of Haiti was the first of the foreign nations to
complete its building. The building was finished on January 2nd,
1893, the nineteenth anniversary of the island nation's independence
from France. Frederick Douglass, an African American activist,
gave a
speech at the building's grand opening. The building was a popular
spot for African-Americans who ate in the dining area despite
laws against them eating with caucasians.
Harrison, Thomas. A Trip Through the Columbian Exposition With a Camera. Chicago: Globe Lithographing and Printing Co., 1893. Further reproduction or distribution is prohibited without permission. |
