March 9, 1872
Ella Ewing, the “Missouri Giantess,” was born. She grew to be the world’s tallest woman of her time, reaching 8-feet, 4-inches. She grew up in the small village of Gorin in northeast Missouri and traveled the country thanks to her fame. She died at the age of 40 and is buried close to her childhood home.
Learn more about Ella Ewing in this Missouri Life magazine article, “One thousand miles of Missouri’s most unique museums.”
Missouri History Today is based upon content from the book Missouri 365: This Day in Missouri History by John W. Brown, broadcaster and Missouri historian. Get your copy at Reedy Press.
Photo: public domain
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March 9, 1872
Birthday of The Missouri Giantess, Ella Ewing. Ella was considered the world's tallest female of her era. She used her great height to earn a living as a sideshow attraction. Born a normal size in La Grange, she grew to a height that is in dispute. Her mother said that the last measurement she took was 8 feet, 4 inches.