The 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair was officially known as the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, to distinguish it from other World’s Fairs, and it was presented by an organization formed specifically for this purpose, the Louisiana Purchase Exposition Company. The Universal Exposition of 1904 is the standard primary narrative of the Fair and serves as its official final report. Published in 1913, this comprehensive history was written by David R. Francis, the President of the LPE Company, who worked on the Fair from its inception.

Volume 1 (text only, 703 pages) describes the organization of the exposition, the construction of the fairgrounds, the exhibits, special events during the exposition, and the aftermath of the Fair, including the restoration of Forest Park and the building of the Jefferson Memorial with the proceeds remaining from the Fair. Volume 2 consists of 121 pages of text, including financial statements and lists of officers, and 320 pages of photographs.

The Missouri Historical Society library staff finds this work to be the starting point for most in depth inquiries on the 1904 World’s Fair.