Journey Through the American Midway
“Every generation built upon the one before it. Every journey began with a single step. Every story became part of the American Midway.”
Travel through the history of the American Midway—from the birth of the Midway Plaisance in 1893 to the traveling carnivals and family-owned shows that continue the tradition today. Explore each era through the people, companies, innovations, and stories that helped shape one of America’s most remarkable traveling communities.
The Early Pioneers (1893–1910)
- Otto Schmidt
- Frank W. Gaskill
- Frank C. Bostock
- Adolph Seeman
- George Jabour
- C. J. Sturjis
- Buffalo Bill
- J. S. Berger
- Johnny J. Jones
- Will Heck
The Expansion Era (1911–1920)
The American Midway grows into a national industry.
The Railroad Era (1921–1930)
The age of larger railroad carnivals and spectacular attractions.
Through Depression and War (1931–1945)
How showmen and their families persevered through some of America’s most difficult years.
Growth and Innovation (1946–1980)
Television, highways, modern rides, and changing America.
The Modern Midway (1981–Present)
The continuing story of today’s traveling amusement industry.
