We Never Knew These American Small Towns Existed, and Now We’re Intrigued

Thankfully, freak shows are primarily a thing of the past now, but back in their heyday, they were enormously popular. Of course, we now know that it’s cruel to leer and gape at people who are different from us, but during the 19th century, that’s what freak shows allowed society to do and make it socially acceptable.

As bad as they were, freak shows offered some respite to those who traveled with them. Unfortunately, they didn’t have many opportunities for inclusion in “normal” society. And on the off months when their show wasn’t traveling, many performers spent their time in Gibsonton. You can visit there today and get a firsthand throwback to the past.