The World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 was possibly a large inspiration to Baum for his Oz book. Built in and around Jackson Park, temporary buildings made out of wood and plaster were quickly built and resembled marble. Dubbed The White City, visitors were astounded by new inventions such as electrical lights that lit up the park at night. 

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Baum certainly visited the park multiple times, according to family accounts, although he, himself, never wrote about his trips. The illusion of real marble and expensive facades most likely what inspired Baum to create the Emerald City in his "The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz" book, which would be released in 1900. 

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Today only two buildings exist: The Field Museum Of Science And Industry and The Art Institute Of Chicago.