Avenue of States
Take a Walking Tour of New England
How can you visit all six New England states in less than one hour? Visit The Big E, the only fair in the country with multiple states participating! Take a stroll along the Avenue of States and see impressive replicas of each New England state's original statehouse sitting on land actually owned by that state. Take a step inside and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and tastes and of quintessential New England.
Eastern States Exposition, home of The Big E, was founded by Joshua L. Brooks in 1916 when he convinced the National Dairy Show to hold its annual event on the Exposition grounds. In 1917, the first Eastern States Exposition took place. Brooks' desire was to bring together all six New England states in one location to share ideas and improve regional agriculture. Brooks dreamed of having state buildings at the fair that would showcase the traditional and new products and attractions that make each New England state unique.
Walking through the life-size replicas of each state's original capitol you can learn about the people, products and attractions each New England state has to offer. A trip down the Avenue of States allows you to have a taste of what New England has to offer, from Maine to Connecticut and all points in between. You can begin your journey at whichever state you prefer - just be sure not to miss any!
Take a step into the past at the Historic Deerfield exhibit in Massachusetts. Learn about wildlife in The Pine Tree State in the Maine building. Shop for a wide array of local products stocked at the Connecticut General Store. Find authentic handmade one-of-a-kind gifts in New Hampshire. Browse fine Rhode Island Coastline-inspired jewelry and art. Bring home unique Vermont-made flannel and woolen products. Explore the Avenue of States and you can do all this and more without ever leaving The Big E!