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The World's Columbian Exposition becomes a catalyst for the widespread practice of "freak shows."

1893

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The Chicago World's Columbian Exposition, which is often known as the "Chicago World's Fair," is billed as a celebration of the 400th anniversary of Columbus's colonization of Native lands, and features rides, games, burlesque, and "freak shows." The national marketing for the exposition and the large number of visitors spreads interest in "freak shows" as a new and "legitimate" form of entertainment across the U.S.