California Pacific International Exposition

The California Pacific International Exposition was held in San Diego, California from May, 1935 through November, 1935. It was such a success that it opened again for a second year from February, 1936 to September 9, 1936. Twenty one nations participated in the event. The Exposition was held to promote San Diego and support its economy during the Great Depression. Held in Balboa Park, the site of an earlier exposition, there were more than 7 million visitors and the total boost to San Diego's economy was almost 38 million dollars. Many of the buildings used for exhibits were rebuilt or refurbished and are still in use today. The stamp was issued on May 29, 1935, the opening day of the exposition.