The Story Behind This North Dakota Monument Is Bizarre But True

Every monument has a story behind it, whether it commemorates a specific person of importance or a tragedy that affected hundreds of people. No matter what the monument is made of or looks like, the reason it is there is to remind us of why it was made. This North Dakota monument near the city of Wahpeton is especially unique and the story behind it is even more bizarre. Believe it or not, it’s true!

Wikimedia commons

The Ringling Brothers Circus was arguably the biggest one, even claiming itself as "the greatest show on earth" as its motto. Just recently they announced that they were permanently ending, but for over a century it had been commonplace to go. People from all over would see it and everything that came with it, including towns in North Dakota.

Related Stories

Cross These 8 Bridges In North Dakota Just Because They're So Awesome

10 Churches In North Dakota That Will Leave You Totally Speechless

The Sinister Story Behind This Popular North Dakota Library Will Give You Chills

heritagerenewal.org

This would be the fateful day: June 10, 1897. As the workers began assembling the main circus tent and setting up the largest, center pole. The sky had grown cloudy during this time, and without any warning, the pole was struck by lightning. It cracked and shattered, and all of the workers touching it or close enough were subsequently struck by lightning, too. According to news reports of the time, over a dozen men were knocked off their feet by the strike and two workers were unfortunately killed. Another man standing nearby later died of his injuries.

Advertisement

gopack2012/Tripadvisor

Many people aren't aware this monument exists, but it still stands today. The workers who died were buried here in a funeral after the show the following day.

The chances of something like this happening are certainly rare, and there’s no other place with a monument quite like it. You can visit the monument for yourself at the Riverside Cemetery, 8095 182nd Ave SE, Wahpeton, ND.

This spot was featured with other North Dakota secrets many people don’t know exist. You can read about the rest here!