At the dawn of the 20th century, individuals born with rare or unusual conditions often joined “freak shows” as a way to earn a living. Tragically, some were forced into this life against their will. On May 19, 1884, the Ringling Bros. Circus officially opened its doors, using sensationalism to turn a profit. This strategy proved successful, and for many years, the “freak show” became one of the circus’s most popular attractions.

The Ringling Bros. were not alone in offering freak shows to curious audiences across America. Their competitor, the Barnum & Bailey Circus, was also well-known for such spectacles, and the two circuses eventually merged in 1919. The performers featured in these shows often became some of the most famous entertainers of their time, their lives marked by both public adoration and personal hardships.

Despite the grandeur and allure of circuses in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these performances often had a dark side. Some performers were kidnapped and forced to participate in the shows against their will. Others faced mistreatment from abusive staff or dehumanizing behavior from audiences who viewed them as mere curiosities rather than human beings.

However, not all stories from the freak shows were marked by exploitation. Some performers were embraced by the circus community and received substantial financial rewards for their work. In fact, a few earned more money than the audiences who came to see them or even the promoters who managed their acts. Surprisingly, not all performers in freak shows were born with natural differences. In some cases, they were “manufactured.” Clyde Ingalls, a manager for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey sideshow in the 1930s, famously remarked, “Freaks are what you make them. Take any peculiar-looking person… play up that peculiarity and add a good spiel, and you have a great attraction.”

As medical science advanced and began to demystify conditions once considered “unexplainable,” ethical concerns surrounding freak shows grew. Over time, the popularity of these performances declined, but not before countless individuals made their mark on the industry. Their stories remain a testament to resilience and, in some cases, exploitation.

One of the most iconic performers from this era was Annie Jones, famously known as “The Bearded Lady.” Born in 1865, Jones had facial hair even as an infant. While the exact cause of her condition remains unknown, it is likely she had hirsutism, which causes excessive growth of coarse hair in women in patterns typically associated with men.

Annie Jones began her career at just one year old when she was featured at P.T. Barnum’s American Museum. Her popularity led Barnum to offer her parents a three-year contract worth $150 per week—a substantial sum at the time. By the age of five, Jones’ facial hair had developed into a mustache and sideburns, earning her the title of the “Bearded Girl.” Her success made her a target for rival circus recruiters, some of whom resorted to unethical tactics to feature her in their own shows.

In one particularly harrowing incident, Jones was kidnapped while under the care of a nanny appointed by Barnum. A New York phrenologist abducted her with plans to exhibit her in his own sideshow. Fortunately, she was soon located in upstate New York, but the kidnapper claimed that Jones was his biological child. The case went to court, where Jones ran into the arms of her real parents. The judge ruled in favor of her family, and Jones’ mother remained a constant presence in her life and career thereafter.

As an adult, Jones continued to perform as “The Bearded Lady” or “The Bearded Woman.” Over time, she became as well-known for her musical talents as for her striking appearance. Her performances drew audiences from all over, eager to witness her unique blend of beauty and artistry. Despite the challenges of life in the spotlight, Jones used her platform to advocate for change. In her later years, she campaigned against the use of the term “freak” to describe sideshow performers. Although her efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, they reflected her determination to bring dignity and respect to her profession.

Outside of her professional life, Jones experienced personal ups and downs. She was married twice, becoming a widow during her second marriage. Tragically, her life was cut short when she fell ill while visiting her mother in Brooklyn. She passed away from tuberculosis in 1902 at the age of 37, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most memorable figures in the history of freak shows.

Annie Jones’ story is both inspiring and heartbreaking. It highlights the complex lives of those who performed in freak shows, blending moments of triumph with instances of exploitation. Her determination to rise above societal prejudices and her efforts to challenge the dehumanizing language of her time remain a powerful reminder of the humanity and individuality of all performers who lived under the spotlight of curiosity and spectacle.