The Trail

A main feature of the 1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition was a centrally located thoroughfare known as "The Trail." This passageway consisted of exhibits and attractions with one end extending over Guilds Lake via the Bridge of Nations. Traveling this way enabled visitors to access additional portions of the fair located on Government Island.

Important sites were found on here including numerous flower gardens, the Fisheries Building, and the Main Exhibit Building. While traveling to and from Government Island, fairgoers could see many different exhibits.

Click to Enlarge. Map of The Trail. Courtesy of the City of Portland Archives.

These were all original to Portland's exposition, such as the Temple of Mirth, a fun house, and the W.H. Barnes Exhibit of Educated Animals. The latter included such acts as Princess Trixie, the Educated Horse and the Famous Diving Elk.

At its opposite end, by the main fairgrounds, the Trail connected with Astor Drive. Here were found the Experimental Gardens as well as Centennial Park. The pathway also joined Gray's Boulevard, which extended through the length of the fair between the main exhibit buildings and Guild's Lake. At night, along with the rest of the fair, the Trail was lined with lights, which made it glow from end to end. The pathway pulsed with energy most days of the week, except for Sunday when all movement came to a halt. Although the fair was open on Sunday, the Trail was closed and all operations of its machinery were stopped. On this day musical, educational, and religious exercises were given special attention in order to respect the beliefs of those in attendance.

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