New Orleans 1885: Texas State Exhibit.....

The Texas State exhibit occupied the largest area of any state or territorial display at the New Orleans exposition, and covered 18,145 square-feet of floor-space in the south-western portion of the Government & States Building. The "Lone Star State" appropriated $20,000 for their exhibit, which enabled every industry in the state to have a comprehensive display. An abundant exhibit of corn, cotton, rice, sugar, oats, barley, wheat, rye, alfalfa, fruits, and vegetables proved the state's agricultural prowess; and a display of 360 varieties of grasses were shown in artistic arrangements. Numerous minerals, ores, and building stones were displayed, and the lumber industry was represented by an exhibit of 126 varieties of woods. A complete display of natural history consisted of 75,000 types of mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles. The City of Denison erected an ornamental polished wooden gateway, which towered over its display. Inventions of various types were also shown, including a portable house made of Texas curly-pine, constructed without the aid of nails, screws, or bolts.