The 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition changed the face of the University District -- and Seattle. On June 1, the exposition opened its gates on the university campus. Nearly 4 million visitors had passed through this entrance arch by the time the fair closed Oct. 16, bringing Seattle worldwide attention.

When the campus was selected as the site for the expo, the university had only three buildings. The fair's legacy included four permanent structures laid out in a beautiful parklike setting.

The Manufacturers Building was one of the many temporary structures erected for the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition. It sat opposite the Agriculture Building (above) in "Washington Circle," with other exhibitions highlighting the state.

The expo's geyser basin (since transformed into Frosh Pond) was the setting for the curving agriculture building.

The $300,000 Forestry Building for the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition was constructed of logs from Snohomish County. It was praised by railroad baron James J. Hill: "The structure will do more to create interest among fair visitors than any other attraction ... nothing can compare to this edifice, fashioned from crude materials almost in a state of nature. It is one of the most impressive sights I have ever seen."