Step right up: Fascinating photos show the tragic characters on display in 19th century 'freak shows'

When 19th and 20th century circus-goers weren't watching men eat fire or women swing from trapezes, they could ogle at disabled and different people put on display in what were then called 'freak shows'. Pictured are a group of the individuals who were on display

These two performers were on display because one had an inexplicably hairy face, and the other, Koo-Koo the bird girl, had a genetic mutation which gave her bird like features

Schlitzie Simon Melt was born with microcephaly - meaning he had a shrunken head and brain. because the disease was not understood at the time he had little choice by to be a member of a freak show 

People were fascinated by the individuals, some of whom earned fame and wealth by performing, and others who endured something like indentured servitude as a result of their misunderstood disabilities. These two were famous because, one had the face of a man and the body of a young woman, and the other was a grown woman with a 15-inch beard

This man was known as the 'Human Caterpillar' because he was born limbless. For entertainment he would roll himself over and light cigarettes with only his mouth

This man was clearly put in the freak show because of his lack of legs. Though little-known today, many of the characters in these photos would go on to become the most famous and wealthiest stars of their generation

Remarkable black and white images show the small, large,and malformed individuals who were exhibited as human curiosities to the paying public. Pictured are a group of traveling 'freaks' who were all a part of the same show

Canadian circus performer Anna Haining Swan Bates, center, stands at seven-and-a-half feet tall next to her father Alexander Swan and her mother Ann Haining Swan, both who were of average height