Happy birthday Robert Wadlow. Robert was born on February 22, 1918 and is on record as being the world's tallest man at a staggering 8ft 11in (2.72m) in height. Known as the Alton Giant he gained his game during is 1936 tour with the Ringling Bros. Circus. Wadlow passed away in his sleep at the age on 22 from a parasitic infection on July 15, 1940. His enormous size was caused by hyperplasia of the putuitary gland resulting in high levels of growth hormones in his system. At the time of his death, Robert showed signs of continued growth with no end in sight. Nowadays you can see wax figures of Wadlow at most Ripley's museums, there is even a life size statue of him in his hometown, and if you happen to be strolling around the Pikes Place Market in Seattle, Washington keep a lookout for The Giant Shoe Museum. One quarter will afford you a look at this gentleman's footwear. #circussideshow #sideshow #circus #freakshow #sideshowhistory #robertwadlow #altongiant #giant #odd #strange #weird #tall #freaks #ringlingbros
