The Citadel Corps of Cadets and The S.C. Inter-State and West Indian Exposition

The S.C. Interstate and West Indian Exposition was held in Charleston from December 1, 1901, to June 1, 1902, to promote and revive the city’s role in international trade. Two hundred fifty acres in the northwestern section of Charleston were transformed into a beautiful Ivory City of palaces, gardens, fountains, lakes and statuary. Hundreds of exhibits, attractions and events of a national and international flavor filled the 180 days.

In 1901, The Citadel was located on Marion Square and was known officially as The S.C. Military Academy. The exposition provided an excellent opportunity to advertise the college. In the S.C. Building/Palace of Agriculture on the exposition grounds, The Citadel’s exhibit attracted more than 5,000 visitors including Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt. The Corps of Cadets were a mainstay in the exposition’s parades.

An exhibit in The Citadel Museum features artifacts and photographs from the collection which provide a glimpse of the beauty of the exposition and The Citadel’s participation in the event. Visitors will see how the present day area bordered by Moultrie Street, Rutledge Avenue, Simons Street and the banks of the Ashley River looked more than a century ago.

Museum Hours: Monday-Friday 2-5, Saturday 12-5, Sunday 2-5.
No charge for admission.