Video: 'Apr. 22, 1964 | New York World’s Fair Opens'

(Wednesday, April 22, 1964, LBJ spoke at 12:06-12:15 p.m. EDT) — The 1964–1965 New York World’s Fair, a world’s fair that held over 140 pavilions and 110 restaurants representing 80 nations, 24 U.S. states, and over 45 corporations with the goal and the final result of building exhibits or attractions at Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in Queens, New York City, opened today.

The immense fair covered 646 acres on half the park, with numerous pools or fountains, and an amusement park with rides near the lake.

Video: 'Apr. 22, 1964 | Protests at Opening of New York World’s Fair'

U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson opened the fair today with the prediction that American progress will outstrip even the exhibition’s imaginative vision of the future if peace can be achieved .

The fair, which would run until October 18, 1964, then make a second run from Apr. 21 to Oct. 17, 1965, opened to celebrate the 300th anniversary of New Amsterdam being taken over in 1664 by British forces under the Duke of York (later King James II) and being renamed New York.

Video: ‘To The Fair! 1964 World’s Fair in New York City’

Since less than ten years had passed since the Seattle World’s Fair in 1962, the New York exposition was not internationally approved, but many nations would have pavilions with exotic crafts, art and food.

Five students from St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, New Jersey, camped outside of Gate Number 1 for two days so that they could be the first in line. Bill Turchyn was the first of the five to go through the gate.