Photo of Giant's Boot located in Gibsonton, Florida
Credit: Charisse Van Horn | ©Charisse Van Horn
Well, it isn’t Disney World or Busch Gardens, but it has its own history as well as attractions. Gibsonton, Florida sits roughly 75 miles south of Disney World and 20 miles away from Tampa’s Busch Gardens and is worth the visit, even if it is just a brief drive through its dilapidated streets.
The history and allure of Gibsonton, Florida isn’t in its grandiose water parks, spectacular beaches, or even its graceful architecture- it hasn’t any. It won’t make your top ten list of travel destinations due to its extravagant hotels, luxurious resorts, or magnificent cuisine or fine dining. However, Gibsonton, Florida will forever remain ingrained in US history and should be visited just for the simple fact that it holds the key to unlocking the secrets of the Great American Sideshows from the past.
Sideshows were a second act or entertainment venue that accompanied the circus, carnivals, or fairs. There were a number of different types of “Sideshows” including, natural born freaks, or people who were born with disfiguring or unusual qualities, and man made freaks, or people who have caused themselves to have a different or bizarre appearance (such as the “tattooed man”), but one thing is certain; Gibsonton, Florida was home to them all.
Gibsonton, Florida was the place where many people who traveled the sideshow circuit made their home when they weren’t working. Today, the legacy of what they have left behind remains. Though Gibsonton, Florida may seem little more than a speck on the map it is as large as the giant’s boot that serves as the area’s landmark, in history. Home to many traveling acts, it was featured when Jerry Springer filmed on location in 1997 and interviewed a number of Gibsonton’s high profiled, sideshow residents. Unfortunately, time has passed and many of the entertainers are no longer living, however there are many structures that still bear testament to their existence.
The history and allure of Gibsonton, Florida isn’t in its grandiose water parks, spectacular beaches, or even its graceful architecture- it hasn’t any. It won’t make your top ten list of travel destinations due to its extravagant hotels, luxurious resorts, or magnificent cuisine or fine dining. However, Gibsonton, Florida will forever remain ingrained in US history and should be visited just for the simple fact that it holds the key to unlocking the secrets of the Great American Sideshows from the past.
Sideshows were a second act or entertainment venue that accompanied the circus, carnivals, or fairs. There were a number of different types of “Sideshows” including, natural born freaks, or people who were born with disfiguring or unusual qualities, and man made freaks, or people who have caused themselves to have a different or bizarre appearance (such as the “tattooed man”), but one thing is certain; Gibsonton, Florida was home to them all.
Gibsonton, Florida was the place where many people who traveled the sideshow circuit made their home when they weren’t working. Today, the legacy of what they have left behind remains. Though Gibsonton, Florida may seem little more than a speck on the map it is as large as the giant’s boot that serves as the area’s landmark, in history. Home to many traveling acts, it was featured when Jerry Springer filmed on location in 1997 and interviewed a number of Gibsonton’s high profiled, sideshow residents. Unfortunately, time has passed and many of the entertainers are no longer living, however there are many structures that still bear testament to their existence.
Comments
Charisse
(Guest)
(Guest)
09/15/2007
Update: They have sold Giants Camp, and even took down the boot.
Interesting article. I'm going to Florida in the spring and gathering up ideas of things to see... thanks for the idea! :-)
Very interesting!!
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