San Francisco's Centennial Anniversary Celebration of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition

On February 20th, 1915, the gates to the Panama-Pacific International Exposition opened in the city of San Francisco. The world's fair was held in celebration of the completion of the Panama Canal, and took place in San Francisco as a way to showcase the city's recovery from the devastating 1906 earthquake. Among the exhibits that the 18 million visitors witnessed at the time were the unveiling of the world's first steam locomotive, a telephone line established from New York to the Pacific Ocean, and the final tour of the famed Liberty Bell.

While the Palace of Fine Arts is the only remaining building left in the same position from the "city within the city," there are still plenty of artifacts that exist. Many are on display during San Francisco's year-long celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the PPIE. Some of the highlights taking place include:

- Throughout the year at the Palace of Fine Arts, the California Historical Society presents "City Rising: San Francisco and the 1915 World's Fair," featuring an overview of the fair, illustrated maps, and artifacts.

- From March 1st through April 18th at Pioneer Hall in The Presidio, the Society of California Pioneers presents "The Man Who Ran The Fair," featuring the personal papers of Charles C. Moore, the president of the 1915 Expo.

- From March 5th through May 20th, six light-based artists will showcase their projections in honor of the PPIE on the exterior of the California Historical Society building at 678 Mission Street.

- Starting April 2nd, the Chinese Historical Society opens their exhibit "Underground Chinatown: Racism at the Fair," focusing on the troubling side of the PPIE's history, particularly the infamous "Joy Zone" area.

- On October 26th, you can print up your own commemorative broadside (a large printed poster) using a Columbian Hand Press at The Book Club of California.

- On November 10th, the California Historical Society and the Culinary Historians of Northern California presents "Food at the Fair," looking at the wide variety of offerings that fairgoers experienced 100 years ago.

These are just a hint of the festivities taking place. For more, check out the official PPIE100 website for many, many more events throughout the year. And below, enjoy a few more scenes from 1915.