The idea for an exposition in Minneapolis arose in 1885, when it became known that St. Paul had secured the permanent home of the Minnesota State Fair.

[4] Local dignitaries such as Senator Cushman K. Davis and Archbishop John Ireland spoke at the dedication.

However, they sent a congratulatory telegram that was read publicly, and then in a dramatic moment, Mrs. Cleveland touched a special button in her New York location that started all of the machinery in the building.

The latest technology and industrial developments were on display, along with a collection of art and sculpture estimated at $500,000 in value.

[3] But in the following years, excitement lessened and the exposition began to lose money.

In 1903, Marion Savage, owner of race horse Dan Patch, bought the building and turned it into the International Stock Food Company.