Operated 1879-1930 by the North Carolina Industrial Association, cofounded by Raleigh-born brothers Charles N. Hunter (1852-1931) and Osborne Hunter. NCIA’s founders called upon Black professionals from every walk of life to attend the fair and place on exhibit “their best productions.” Over 51 years, the fair welcomed national notables including Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington. The fairgrounds (Brooks Ave. to Horne St. extending 55 acres north) was also site of the N.C. State Fair, 1873-1925.
