United States. Centennial Board of Finance

Following the end of the American Civil War, Americans began to prepare for the celebration of the nation's 100th birthday in 1876. Various citizens of Philadelphia proposed that this exhibition should be held in this city and a resolution to that effect was adopted by the Select and Common Councils in January 1870. Subsequently, the Legislature of Pennsylvania supported this resolution and a memorial was submitted to Congress. Early in March 1870, a bill was presented to the House of Representatives and, after several amendments, was adopted by Congress on 3 March 1871.

This Act created a Commission composed of one delegate from each state and territory appointed by the President to one-year terms. The chief duty assigned the Commission was to:

...