Atlanta GA held its first exposition, named the International Cotton Exposition, in Oglethorpe Park in 1881. The city then had fewer than 40,000 residents, and the primary sense in which the first exposition was “international” was the display of cotton plants from around the world. Nevertheless, Atlantans were eager to host the 1881 exposition to promote investment and to help the city toward its goal of becoming an industrial center. Although attendance was lower than expected (fewer than 200,000 in paid attendance during its two-and-a-half-month run), city leaders demonstrated that they could work together to host a major event that provided favorable publicity for the city.
The Cotton Exposition of 1881 resulted from the mutual ideas of Edward Atkinson, Hannibal I. Kimball and Henry Grady. Atkinson, President of the Boston Manufacturers Mutual Fire Insurance Company, delivered an address in the Senate Chamber of Atlanta advocating the city as the site for a Cotton Exposition. Kimball, a friend of Atkinson and president of the Atlanta Cotton Factory (on the site of the current CNN Center) along with Henry Grady, advocate of the “New South” and editor of the Atlanta Constitution, saw the Expo as a chance to advance the South as a major force in textile production. H. I. Kimball, Director General of 1881 Cotton States Exposition.
A model factory was proposed and adopted and the Exposition Cotton Mills were built at Oglethorpe Park in Atlanta. The Expo lasted from October 5 until December 31 of 1881.
Medals of The 1881 Atlanta International Cotton Exposition
The 1881 Atlanta International Cotton Exposition was a significant event in the history of the American South, and the medals that were awarded during the exposition were intended to commemorate the occasion. However, despite extensive research, no actual award medals from the event have ever been found. In this blog post, we explore the fascinating story of the medals of the 1881 Atlanta International Cotton Exposition and examine the silver commemorative medal and advertising trade token that have been discovered. We will continue to delve into the history and mystery of the medals of the 1881 Atlanta International Cotton Exposition. If you have information, please send to us.
Silver Medal 1881 International Cotton Exposition
Silver. Obverse has INTENATIONAL COTTON EXPOSITION across the top, then seated lady liberty with shield with thirteen stars around. 1881 below. ATLANTA, GA at bottom.
Silver Medal 1881 International Cotton Exposition
Silver. Reverse has EXPOSITON BUILDING across the top then a an X shape building in middle and a bee hive at bottom.
Medal Token 1881 International Cotton Exposition
This looks like an advertising token for a company that won a medal and not the actual award medal. USA Virginia Token 1881, Tobacco Advertising And Cotton Exposition Coin.
Medal Token 1881 International Cotton Exposition
This looks like an advertising token for a company that won a medal and not the actual award medal. It has around the edge INTERNATIONAL COTTON EXCHANGE ATLANTA GA 1881. In center FIRST AWARD OF MERIT
1881 International Cotton Exposition Souvenir Coin Purse
Souvenir Coin Purse from 1881 Atlanta Cotton Exposition in Atlanta GA. Hand painted on perl type facing
INTERNATIONAL COTTON EXPOSITION IN ATLANTA GEORGIA GOVERNOR COLQUITT ADDRESS published in “Harper’s Weekly” October 1881.
See medals from the later 1895 Atlanta Cotton States and International Exposition and The 1887 Piedmont Exposition Atlanta GA
More information about the International Cotton Exposition here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Cotton_Exposition