In 1961, after the death of his brother Kelly Miller, D.R. Miller, the longest consecutive owner of any circus, bought all the plots in this special section of the cemetery.

Tour buses regularly stop by the Chamber of Commerce in the small Choctaw County community to get directions and information about the spot they call "God's Big Top." Hugo has been home to D.R. Miller's circuses since 1941. At one time five circuses called Hugo their winter home hence the name, "Circus City."

One of the more interesting stories involved elephant trainer John Carroll. Losing an eye in an accident that was eventually covered by workmen's compensation, John donated the proceeds to establish a fund to pay for markers for performers who could not afford one. The grave of Jack Moore, a former partner in Carson & Barnes Circus, is marked by a replica of a big top. The Miller family now has three large stones, two are inscribed with the entrance gate to their home "Dun Rovin."

"Showman to the End" is found on a number of graves, as well as "Showman at Rest." A truly provocative inscription is on the grave of George Donald Null:
"Give life the best that's in you
For it's only a one-night stand.
There are no repeat performances
Brought back by popular demand."

Many cemeteries, particularly those in larger cities, have restrictive ordinances that prevent such flamboyance or mirthful memorials, but dancing elephants, clowns and circus wagons are right at home in Hugo.