Designed by German and Danish architects the Crystal Palace was perhaps the most admired American building of the 19th century. It was the only U.S. edifice to gain the respect of European designers. Built in 1852 and 1853 the Crystal Palace was dedicated by Franklin Pierce, the 14th U.S. President. Just one year later Showman Phineas T. Barnum reinaugurated the venue. Before its rededication there were great ceremonies and pageantry. Marching bands, continental regiments and veterans of the War of 1812 participated. The Crystal Palace was built near 42nd Street in Manhattan. Its most spectacular feature was a splendidly designed central dome.