Within sight of the exposition are forts, a navy yard, and one of the largest shipbuilding plants in the world; while on the banks of the James river stand the finest examples of colonial architecture in America. Hampton, just across the Roads, is the oldest continuous settlement of Englishmen in America. The most famous naval encounter of the Civil War, between the Monitor and Merrimac, took place within sight of the exposition grounds. This naval duel revolutionized battleship construction and naval warfare. Upon these same historic waters will ride at anchor the greatest fleet of warships, representing every type of fighting machine in the navies of the world. The evolution of shipbuilding will be interestingly illustrated by the reproduction of the three ships, _Susan Constant_, the _Godspeed_ and _Discovery_, which brought the Jamestown colonists to this country. This display of marine architecture of different periods makes possible a comprehensive study of its development. The shores hereabout are crowded with earthworks erected by Southern and Federal troops during the Civil War. There is hardly a strategic position near these waters which does not bear evidence of fortifications, and the final negotiations which ended the conflict were concluded at a conference on Hampton Roads between President Lincoln, Mr. Seward and Alexander Stephens. Hence, it is possible to traverse the ground consecrated by those patriots whose names are household words in American history; to view the monuments commemorative of events from the first landing of the colonists in 1607, through the stirring events of 1776, through the later historical epoch of 1812 and 1860, Yorktown and Great Bridge, and to 1865, when this section was enriched by the blood of heroes who fought with Lee, Jackson and Grant in the most sanguinary strife ever recorded. Another distinguishing feature of the exposition will be the military display of the United States, the troops of which, together with those of foreign countries, will form a permanent encampment during the exhibition. The horticultural and cut flower exhibit will surpass in design and beauty all previous attempts along this line. Displays of flowers and potted plants will be made in the Court of the States, where will be shown in profusion of number and variety—asters, chrysanthemums, dahlias, gladioli, peonies, rhododendrons, sweet peas, roses, etc. The work of transplanting trees, plants and shrubs in the general decorative scheme has been practically completed. A unique feature is the floral fence, which forms a semi-circle around the exposition grounds. The frame is of wire, upon which crimson rambler, honeysuckle and trumpet vine intertwine in artistic effect. Monster oaks, tall pines, cedars, maples, willows and elms are on the grounds to afford ample shade, while native flower-bearing and evergreen shrubs and fruit trees will enter into the general scheme of landscape beautification.