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Humboldt, Iowa: Frank Gotch, Wrestling Superstar

Gotch was World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion from 1908 to 1913, and made money on the side by wrestling amateurs at the circus. His bronze statue is 11 feet tall.

Bicknell Park

Address:
N. 9th St., Humboldt, IA
Directions:
Bicknell Park. The statue stands on the east bank of the Des Moines River, on the west side of N. 9th St. just north of its intersection with Sumner Ave.
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Visitor Tips and News About Frank Gotch, Wrestling Superstar

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Frank Gotch Bronze Statue.

Frank Gotch Bronze Statue

Gotch was the first American professional wrestler to win the world heavyweight free-style championship. He reigned as World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion from 1908 to 1913.

[Roger Conlon, 07/22/2017]

Frank Gotch is a forgotten sports superstar. He toured with the circus and offered to pay anyone who could last 15 minutes with him, but no one could. He won his last 88 professional matches, then died, age 40, of a disputed illness (Some said it was syphilis). His statue, unveiled in 2012, is 11 feet tall.


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