Venice in Sarasota County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Gunther Gebel-Williams

Photographed by Julie Szabo, January 19, 2008

1. Gunther Gebel-Williams Marker

Inscription. Gunther Gebel-Williams changed the face of the American circus forever, and is universally known as The Greatest Wild Animal Trainer of All Time. From Circus Williams in Germany to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus, Gunther demonstrated to all that humans and animals should work, live and thrive together in harmony. The circus star made his United States debut Jan. 6, 1969 at the circus' winter quarters in Venice, FL., eventually setting a not-to-be-broken circus record of entertaining more than 200 million people during more than 12,000 consecutive performances. He was inducted into the Circus Hall of Fame in 1999 and was honored throughout the world. Gunther was the favorite son of his adopted hometown of Venice. He became an important part of the community, residing here with his family from 1969 until his death in 2001.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is January 6, 1816.

Location. 27° 6.087′ N, 82° 26.414′ W. Marker is in Venice, Florida, in Sarasota County. It can be reached from North Seaboard Avenue.

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Located at the Rollins W. Coakley Railroad Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Venice FL 34285, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Gulf Coast.

It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Venice Railroad and Depot (a few steps from this marker); Fred Albee Municipal Airport (approx. 0.2 miles away); Colonel George Kumpe Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away); Johnson-Schoolcraft Building 1926 (approx. 0.4 miles away); Kentucky Military Institute (approx. 0.4 miles away); San Marco Hotel (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Supreme Sacrifice (approx. 0.4 miles away); Ennes Arcade and Hotel Valencia 1926 (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map

Gunther Gebel-Williams Marker and statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Julie Szabo, January 19, 2008

2. Gunther Gebel-Williams Marker and statue

of all markers in Venice.

Photographed by Julie Szabo, January 19, 2008

3. The statue

Photographed by Julie Szabo, January 19, 2008

4. The Park

Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2019. It was originally submitted on January 21, 2008, by Julie Szabo of Oldsmar, Florida. This page has been viewed 3,748 times since then and 93 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 21, 2008, by Julie Szabo of Oldsmar, Florida. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.