The story takes place in Chicago in the late 1890's where a World's Fair known as the White City was built in celebration of Columbus' 400th anniversary of discovering America. The main character is Daniel Burnham who was the head architect. After it was built many murders and crimes happened near the fair or inside its big space. Also during this time, many people travelled to and from the city but some disappeared. In the year of 1892 the top architect of Chicago propesed the idea of hosting the World's Fair in their city. They had won over the voted on February 14, 1890. After the city received the news that they would be hosting the world's fair, they chose Root and Burnham to do the honors. Burnham had to choose the location as all regions wanted it to take place where they wanted it. H. H. Holmes bought a pharmacy chasing after success and then married to make a family. He also bought a building for which he had men working who he could trust and do as he says even if it meant killing someone.
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"Ultimately theses setbacks proved to be minor ones for Burnham and Root. Far worse was to occur, and soon, but as of February 14, 1890, the day of the great fair vote, the partners seemed destined for a lifetime of success. (Larson 30)"
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In this quote it is quite evident that the fair would be the beginning to both the success of the architect's careers and the beginning of something bad that was to happen in this city known for the bad things that occurred there.
yes, there is so much foreshadowing through the opening pages. It seems like the author really likes that device
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