Gary in Lake County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus / 1918 Circus Train Wreck
Photographed By Lou Donkle, November 29, 2022
1. Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus side of marker
The Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. The Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, organized in 1907, became one of the largest and most recognized shows to tour the united States. Resembling a small city, by 1918, it featured over twenty tents, 1000 workers and performers from numerous countries, and hundreds of trained wild animals. The circus performed in over 100 cities in each season before wintering in Indiana.
1918 Circus Train Wreck. On June 22, 1918, the engineer of an empty military troop train fell asleep and crashed into a Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus train near here. An estimated eighty-six people died and over 100 others were injured. Aid from neighboring towns and other national shows allowed the circus to finish the season. Despite the wreck's magnitude, railroad safety was slow to improve.
Erected 2022 by Indiana Historical Society, Filmmaker Charles Williams, Gary Historic Preservation Commission, Ronald Trigg, Raylene Swinock, Barbara Speer, and local supporters. (Marker Number 45.2022.1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Disasters • Entertainment • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 22, 1918.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. St. John's Lutheran Church (approx. 2˝ miles away); Dutch in the Calumet Region (approx. 3˝ miles away); Froebel School (approx. 3.7 miles away); In Memory Of All American Veterans (approx. 3.8 miles away); Atty. Hall's Historic Patriotic Peace Flower and Rose Gardens and Mini-Forest Preserve (approx. 3.8 miles away); Rep. Katie Hall (1938-2012) / Origin of Dr. MLK Day Law (approx. 3.9 miles away); Michael Jackson (approx. 3.9 miles away); City Church (approx. 3.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gary.
Photographed By Lou Donkle, November 29, 2022
2. 1918 Circus Train Wreck side of the marker
Photographed By Lou Donkle, November 29, 2022
3. Location of marker between parking lot and railroad tracks
Credits. This page was last revised on January 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 1, 2022, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. This page has been viewed 207 times since then and 52 times this year. Last updated on January 1, 2024, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 1, 2022, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
