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The first of the world's expositions was held in London in 1851. It was a predecessor to the world's fairs that were held regularly in the 20th century. In the United States huge expositions were held to celebrate the centennial of the nation in 1876 and the tercentenary of Columbus' voyage in 1893. The turn of the 19th to the 20th century was also an opportunity for the display of the riches of the nation, a combination celebration and reassurance. The cities who held such displays also saw an opportunity for tourist dollars. Boston held a 20th century exposition in 1900. The commonwealth's rail companies sought to profit from it and created their own package tours to bring people in to Boston from all over the state. This advertisement was for just such a tour.