Resting place for the circus showmen

Showmens Rest at Mt Olivet Cemetery in Hugo, OK

Looking for something off the beaten path for your group check out the town of Hugo in southeast Oklahoma, Hugo for years has been the winter home to a number of circuses including the Miller Kelly Circus, Carson & Barnes Circus, and Culpepper & Meriweather. Begin your tour of Hugo at the Frisco Depot Museum to see a miniature three ring circus along with local historical artifacts.

Next, head to Mt Olivet Cemetery to see “Showmen’s Rest” an area dedicated to performers, owners, and managers of circuses.  Here you will see monuments that honor those that have made the circus their career as they traveled across the country entertaining young and old.

Mt Olivet Cemetery at Trice and South 8^th Street is open seven days a week dusk to dawn while the Frisco Depot Museum at 307 N B Street is open Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-4 pm. Contact the Hugo Chamber at (580) 326-7511 to make arrangements for a guided tour of the cemetery and as a special treat ask about seeing some circus elephants up close at the Endangered Ark Foundation.

 

Frisco Depot Museum - Hugo, OK

Miniature Circus at the Frisco Depot Museum

Visit GrandCentralUSA.com to see an Oklahoma Mystery itinerary that includes Hugo.