Editing Centennial Exposition 1876 (section)

== Attendance and Impact ==

Nearly 10 million visitors attended during the fair's six-month run—remarkable given that national population was about 46 million. Visitors came from throughout the United States and abroad, many experiencing their first world's fair. The economic impact included direct spending, infrastructure improvements, and enhanced Philadelphia reputation.<ref name="centennial"/>

The exposition's success established the template for subsequent American world's fairs, including Chicago's 1893 Columbian Exposition and St. Louis's 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition. These events served similar purposes of showcasing national achievement and introducing innovations.<ref name="centennial"/>