Troll Capital of the World

Mount Horeb, WI


Troll Capital of the World

In the late 1800’s, more than 70% of the citizens living here were of Norwegian descent. Norwegian folklore has always told stories about trolls. Trolls are these ugly looking elf-like beings having only four fingers and a long crooked nose. It was thought they guarded treasures of diamonds and gold. The troll phenomenon in this community started back in the mid 1970’s. A local Scandinavian gift shop began displaying statues of trolls on their lawn to attract business. The trolls became so popular with the citizens that they went troll crazy. There are many troll businesses located on Mount Horeb’s Trollway.  PS. The Grumpy Troll Brew & Pub is a great place to eat and drink!

Baraboo, Wisconsin

What a great name and what a great town!  The town was named after the Baribeau brothers who once operated a mill in this area.  The folklore says one day the brothers got into an argument.  After this fierce debate, one brother packed up and headed toward Canada.  The other brother stayed and changed his name to Baraboo!

The town was home to the Ringling Brothers in the late 19th century.  The Ringling Circus stayed here for the winter until 1918.  Today, you will find a treasure when you visit this wonder town.  The town hosts the Circus World Museum and entertains you with live circus performances along with the great history of the Ringling Brothers.  A real treat!!

Bowlegs, Oklahoma

Bolek, also known as Billy Bowlegs, was a fierce Seminole Chief from Florida. After signing a treaty in 1832, Bowlegs and his 200 warriors were peaceful until his fellow Seminole Chief Osceola was wrongfully imprisoned. Chief Bowlegs and his warriors led many successful raids against the U.S. Military. Finally in 1858, the government convinced Chief Bowlegs to relocate to the new Indian Territory in Oklahoma. He was given $10,000 dollars and each of his followers received $1,000. Here he became a prominent chief to his people and was once again peaceful. During the Civil War, he became a captain in the Union Army and was instrumental to the success in this region against the Confederacy. In 1864, the famous chief died of smallpox.

Photo Courtesy of Library of Congress