Howe's Circus in Natchez in 1865

Henry Gurney photographed much more than Natchez's buildings and houses. In 1865, the beloved Howe's Circus brought its show to Natchez. The circus bandwagon, pictured below, was the main attraction during this downtown gathering. This historic image was taken at the northwest corner of Main and North Commerce Streets. The building in the background remains today. It currently serves as the warehouse for Darby's Furniture.

The accompanying newspaper article, an obituary for Howe's Circus performer John Conklin, notes many of the events associated with the circus. This Weekly Democrat issue dated September 30, 1885, names Conklin as the first performer to catch a cannonball shot from a cannon.