 It was established to stage a publicity stunt concocted by William George Crush and the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad.The stunt involved the collision of two 35-ton steam locomotives in front of spectators, whom the railway transported to the event for $2 each.After strong promotion, on September 15, 1896, the event was delayed by several hours as the police maneuvered the crowd of more than 40,000 back to what was thought to be a safe distance.