In Erik Larson's non-fiction novel The Devil in the White City, George Davis holds a significant position related to the 1893 Chicago World's Fair.
George Davis: Director-General of the Chicago World's Fair
George Davis is depicted as the director-general of the World's Columbian Exposition, commonly known as the Chicago World's Fair. In this prominent administrative role, he was deeply involved in the intricate planning and oversight of the fair's development.
Davis is notably characterized by his strong will and his frequent disagreements with Daniel Burnham, the fair's lead architect. Their conflicts often revolved around the critical issue of artistic control over the fair's design and execution. These professional clashes underscore the challenges inherent in coordinating a project of such immense scale and vision, where differing opinions among key figures were common.
| Character Name | Role in the Chicago World's Fair | Key Interaction |
|---|---|---|
| George Davis | Director-General | Argued with Daniel Burnham regarding artistic control and the fair's vision. |
His role as director-general placed him at the nexus of the fair's administrative and creative efforts, highlighting the bureaucratic hurdles and personal dynamics that shaped the creation of the "White City."
