Sometimes referred to as "the day the clowns cried", the fire that occured on July 6, 1944 in Hartford at an afternoon performance of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus was one of the worst fire disasters in the United States. The performance was attended by roughly 7,000 people. The Hartford circus fire took at least 168 lives that day and more than 700 people were injured.
In the 1940s, circuses typically traveled from town to town by train. The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus arrived in Hartford on July 5, 1944, but the trains were late and two of the shows that day had to be cancelled. Performers and crew were wary because circus superstition says that any missed shows are very bad luck. The performance of July 5th, however, went as planned with no consequences.
The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus was special in that it was the largest circus of its time. The huge tent with three performance rings could seat up to 9,000 people. Unfortunately the water proofing method used on the canvas, that was standard at the time, played a part in this devastating fire. The canvas was coated with 1,800 lbs.of paraffin wax which was dissolved in 6,000 gallons of gasoline.
On July 6, 1944, the afternoon show was populated mainly by women and children. The estimate is that there were approximately 7,000 spectators seated for the show. The large cats were the only animals in the main tent as they had just finished performing. The circus bandleader was said to be the first person to spot the small fire that had started on the sidewall of the tent. He directed the band to play the song, ""The Stars and Stripes Forever" which was the common signal to alert all the circus employees that there was a problem of some kind. The flames quickly took on a life of their own as they crawled across the parrafin and gasoline covered canvas.
To complicate matters, two of the entrances to the big top were blocked by the chutes that were used to move the big cats and other dangerous animals from the performing area to the transport cages. People who were trying to escape from the circus tent could not bypass these areas.
As the fire took over, panic ensued and people were trying to escape the blazing tent in any way that they could. Some died from being trampled and others died from jumping off the bleachers to try to escape under the sides of the tent. Paraffin was melting off of the canvas and falling onto the people below as the fire continued to burn. Ultimately after only about eight minutes the roof collapsed, trapping hundreds of spectators underneath.
It is remarkable that the death toll for this disaster is not higher. The number of fatalities is estimated to be around 168 and the number of injuries around 700. However these numbers may not be accurate. Tickets to the show had been handed out around Hartford by circus employees to some poeple that could have been drifters and never reported missing. In addition, it is possible that the combination of fire, parrafin and gasoline might have incinerated some bodies completely so that no remains would be found.
People that survived the fire have carried around the horror of that July afternoon for decades. They all have a unique story of how they escaped - whether it be being rescued by a performer or being protected from the flames by the piles of bodies that fell upon them. Some have never returned to the circus saying that it brings back memories too traumatic to face.
Today, there is a memorial to those that perished in the circus fire located in Hartford where the fire occured. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey did a final Hartford circus performance on April 30, 2017 and performed their final show ever on May 21, 2017 in New York.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
Residents of Connecticut know better than to plan a visit to the infamous Dudleytown, CT - also referred to as Dudley Town, Connecticut - and it's not just because it's on private property. It has nothing to do with the local police who patrol the area or the "No Trespassing" signs. To be honest, the security measures are overkill for most people because most of us are too afraid of the deadly curse to even think about this place. As the creepiest abandoned town around and one of the most haunted towns in Connecticut, most people stay far, far away from this peculiar destination.
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The area that became known as Dudleytown was first settled in the early 1740s by Thomas Griffis, followed by Gideon Dudley and, by 1753, Barzillai Dudley and Abiel Dudley; Martin Dudley joined them a few years later. Since the mid-1920s, the village's land has been maintained by philanthropists as a private land trust, which has worked to reforest the land after decades of agricultural use.
This image was taken one foggy afternoon in a foresy close to Drammen city, Norway.
Few traces, such as cellar holes, remain of the original village. Beginning in the 1980s, due to rumors of ghost activity, the village site was frequently vandalized, and the owners have since closed the land to the public. This notoriously haunted town in Connecticut has long attracted lore and legends, making Dudleytown photos quite rare and sought after. Because, really, who would be brave enough to step foot in this town?
Are you afraid of the dark? When it comes to Dudleytown, the darkness is the least of your concerns. The pitch blackness that surrounds this village is nothing compared to its long, disturbing history. This haunting dates back to the 1500s, making it one of the scariest places in Connecticut.
Nobody will dare work in this place. That is why in the middle of a private woodland lie the last remnants of a little town shrouded by trees and secrecy. Famous paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren declared it demonically possessed in the 1970s, but it's been abandoned since the 1800s. That's pretty crazy since it was only established in 1740!
The story of this ghost town in Connecticut involves the Dudley Curse. After their father's beheading, the Dudleys fled to America in hopes of escaping the curse. But their involvement with a mythical book believed to open the gates of hell doomed them and anyone who befriended them. The town they established was repeatedly plagued by murder, suicide, madness, and failed businesses. Even though there's little left of the town now, it will never be forgotten.
Abandoned house flock of crows flying by.
Some believe this place is the evilest place on Earth, and many paranormal investigators have left it running. But in the end, it's up to you to decide what you believe. Paranormal investigators at Dudleytown Curse discovered that Dudleytown, CT, cannot be legally visited, only feared from afar. The owners don't take kindly to trespassers, but you can still get your fix of her haunted places in Connecticut.
For some creepy locations that (probably) won't leave you cursed for all of eternity, check out our haunted road trip, which leads to some of the creepiest, most haunted towns in Connecticut. Did you know the story behind Dudleytown, CT? Do you believe that it has demonic ties or that it's the most haunted town in Connecticut? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Dudley Town, Connecticut, might be off-limits to visitors, but there are plenty of other amazing places to visit in the Nutmeg State. For attractions in Connecticut you can actually visit, check out our friends at Viator to learn about some of the best of the best. You never know what adventures you'll get into!
