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
Side Show World/John Robinson
2. 27-Inch-Tall General Mite
Side Show World/John Robinson
3. The Bearded Lady
Side Show World/John Robinson
4. The Monkey Girl
Mission Creep
5. The Large-Legged Lady
Side Show World/John Robinson
6. The Fat Lady
Mission Creep
7. The Fat Man & Little Woman
Mission Creep
8. The Conjoined Twins
Shocked And Amazed/the Leslie Zemeckis Collection
9. The Two-Headed Boy
Side Show World/John Robinson
10. The Double-Bodied Boy
Side Show World/John Robinson
11. The Egyptian Giant
Side Show World/John Robinson
12. The Alligator Boy
Mission Creep
13. The Leaping Torso
Side Show World/John Robinson
14. The Largest Man On Artificial Legs
Side Show World/John Robinson
15. The Dancing Ladies
Side Show World/John Robinson
16. The Cross-Dresser
Side Show World/John Robinson
17. The FeeJee Mermaid
Side Show World/John Robinson
18. The Poodle Game
Side Show World/John Robinson
19. The Snake Charmer
Mudwerks Tumblr
20. The Sword Swallower
Side Show World/John Robinson
21. The Tattooed Lady
Pinterest/PlasticLand Blog
Freak Shows Today
Side Show World/John Robinson