The Exposition Auditorium was located south of the University of Pennsylvania, and the later Convention Hall was constructed along the building's east wall.

President William McKinley was unanimously nominated for reelection after no candidate ran against him, although Admiral George Dewey considered a run.

[1] Additionally Jennie L. McCargar Jones, of Utah, and Susan Henderson West of Idaho served as alternate delegates.

In the event, he died in office on November 21, 1899, leaving the party the task of choosing a running mate for McKinley.

[5] However, Ohio Senator Mark Hanna maneuvered to keep Roosevelt off the ballot, instead proposing Navy Secretary John D. Long of Massachusetts or Iowa Representative Jonathan P.