The National Conservation Exposition was an exposition held in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States, between September 1, 1913 and November 1, 1913.[1] The exposition celebrated the cause of bringing national attention to conservation activities, especially in the Southeastern United States.[2] The fair was held in what is now Knoxville's Chilhowee Park.[2]
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Inspired by the successes of Knoxville's Appalachian Expositions of 1910 and 1911, civic leaders sought to bring greater national exposure to the community with a third exhibition in 1913. In 1912, at the convention of the National Conservation Congress, the organization endorsed Knoxville as the conservation fair site.[3] The National Conservation Exposition Company was established and funded by the Tennessee legislature with passage of the Senate Bill #1, Chapter 19 of the general appropriation bill passed during the 58th General Assembly.[4] Additional federal funding was secured for the fair by May 1913.[3]
Although a national exhibition, it primarily focused on the environment and natural resources of the South.[3] The two month exhibition drew over one million visitors, with nine major and six smaller buildings constructed on-site to house its exhibits and demonstrations.[2]