21 Rare Old Photographs Of Real American Freak Shows

Freak shows first cropped up in the 17th century in Europe. For the next 300 years, it was a popular form of entertainment all around the world, especially in North America.

Below are rare photos that will introduce you to some of the most popular tropes of the classic freak shows.

1. Freak Shows as side-parts to a circus

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Side Show World/John Robinson

2. 27-Inch-Tall General Mite

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Side Show World/John Robinson

3. The Bearded Lady

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Side Show World/John Robinson

4. The Monkey Girl

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Mission Creep

5. The Large-Legged Lady

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Side Show World/John Robinson

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6. The Fat Lady

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Mission Creep

7. The Fat Man & Little Woman

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Mission Creep

8. The Conjoined Twins

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Shocked And Amazed/the Leslie Zemeckis Collection

9. The Two-Headed Boy

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Side Show World/John Robinson

10. The Double-Bodied Boy

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Side Show World/John Robinson

11. The Egyptian Giant

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Side Show World/John Robinson

12. The Alligator Boy

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Mission Creep

13. The Leaping Torso

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Side Show World/John Robinson

14. The Largest Man On Artificial Legs

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Side Show World/John Robinson

15. The Dancing Ladies

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Side Show World/John Robinson

16. The Cross-Dresser

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Side Show World/John Robinson

17. The FeeJee Mermaid

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Side Show World/John Robinson

18. The Poodle Game

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Side Show World/John Robinson

19. The Snake Charmer

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Mudwerks Tumblr

20. The Sword Swallower

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Side Show World/John Robinson

21. The Tattooed Lady

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Pinterest/PlasticLand Blog

Freak Shows Today

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Side Show World/John Robinson