1902 saw the introduction of a new sport in the United States when a turtle race took place in Chicago. This so-called sport became very popular in the 1920s. Gangster Al Capone took note of the popularity and realized he could introduce them into his speakeasies as an indoor betting event. In 1930, he bought 5,000 racing turtles for his saloons.
The popularity of turtle racing continued into the 1930’s Great Depression as a cheap form of entertainment. It became a common pastime in bars, and the popularity still continues. In 1975, the owner of Brennan’s Bar in Florida introduced turtle racing as a joke, but it became so popular that the races are still held today.
On this date in 1933, a highly anticipated race was held at Turtle Raceway in Washburn, North Dakota during the McClean County stock show. The stands were packed with eager spectators. There was a great deal of excitement as the competitors approached the starting line. It was a large field – 150 turtles, each with a number painted on its shell. Placed in the middle of a 100-foot circle, the first turtle to reach the perimeter would be the winner.
The turtles set off at a blistering pace. Number 40 took the lead, and looked like an easy winner. Unfortunately, number 40 fell asleep just shy of the finish line. Turtle 18 streaked past for the win, covering the 50-foot course in five minutes. The winner missed the record time by 30 seconds. Number 28 came in second. Number 40 finally woke up long enough to streak across the finish line in third. The three top turtles each received eight dollars in prize money.
Turtle racing continued at the fair, but gradually faded from the schedule. Nevertheless, North Dakota turtle racing fans need not despair; turtle races still make appearances at local fairs and special events.
Dakota Datebook by Dr. Carole Butcher
Sources:
- Bismarck Tribune. “Washburn Presents Livestock Exhibit.” Bismarck ND. 9/28/1933. Page 7.
- Bismarck Tribune. “Spirited Creeping Marks Second Annual Turtle Race at Washburn.” Bismarck ND. 10/3/1933. Page 1.
- Bismarck Tribune. “M’Lean County to Have Stock Show.” Bismarck ND. 9/27/1930. Page 8.
- Bismarck Tribune. “Washburn Host as Pioneers Reminisce at Golden Jubilee.” Bismarck ND. 9/23/1932. Page 1.
- Bismarck Tribune. “Washburn Ready for Annual Celebration.” Bismarck ND. 9/27/1933. Page 5.
- Bismarck Tribune. “Turtles Prepare for Annual Race.” Bismarck ND. 9/16/1933. Page 5.
- Bismarck Tribune. “Turtle Lake celebrates annual Turtle Days.” https://bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/turtle-lake-celebrates-annual-turtle-days/article_2f97a350-ec1a-11e2-ba45-0019bb2963f4.html Accessed 8/27/2024.
- History Out There. “Turtle Racing’s Weird History.” https://historyoutthere.com/2021/05/30/turtle-racings-weird-history/ Accessed 8/28/2024.
- The McClean County Fair. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.nordaknorth.com/image/cache/MCF-06-06-2024_web.pdf Accessed 8/27/2024.
