Luia Zarate Dwarf, the lightest adult in the world Date of Birth: 02.01.1864 Country: Mexico

Biography of Lucia Zarate

Lucia Zarate, the world's lightest adult, gained recognition in the Guinness World Records as the lightest adult in the world, weighing 2.1 kg (4.7 pounds) at the age of 17. Born in 1864 in San Carlos, Mexico, Lucia Zarate was documented as the first person to suffer from primordial dwarfism type II (also known as intrauterine dwarfism). However, there are conflicting sources regarding her birthplace, with some claiming it to be Vera Cruz. The year of her birth is also disputed, with some suggesting she may have been younger by 5-6 years.

At the age of 12, Zarate moved from Mexico to the United States and became part of the popular entertainment industry at the time known as "freak shows." Despite the inhumane nature of showcasing individuals with physical abnormalities, these shows were immensely popular for over a century, both in the US and beyond. For many, these shows were the only means of earning a living.

In 1876, Oxford University published a collection of curious facts that included a paid visit to Lucia Zarate by several doctors. Although it could not be confirmed if she was indeed 12 years old at the time, her dental condition indicated that she was at least 6 years old. By that time, she stood at a height of 55 cm and had a calf circumference of 10 cm, only 2.5 cm larger than the circumference of an adult's thumb.

Zarate lived with her parents, and it was noted that she appeared healthy, intelligent, and bilingual in English and her native Spanish. She had healthy siblings as well. Initially, she performed as part of the "Fairy Sisters" show and later partnered with Francis Joseph Flynn, a dwarf known as "General Mite." This partnership allowed Zarate to tour outside of the USA.

In 1889, advertisements in the Washington Post described Zarate as a marvelous Mexican dwarf, a small yet powerful magnet for attracting a wide audience. She earned a good income and traveled with her maid and translator. Her dresses were tailored by expensive tailors, and she developed a passion for expensive jewelry over the years. While she primarily toured the eastern part of the United States due to its dense population, the rapid development of California and the completion of the transcontinental railroad led the Zarate family to sign a contract for performances in San Francisco in 1889.

Unfortunately, this journey proved to be her last. In the winter of 1890, her train became stranded in the mountains due to an unprecedented snowstorm. The entire Pacific Northwest was affected, with all communication and transportation routes blocked by snow. Near Truckee, where the Zarate family found themselves on January 15, a dozen trains and around 700 passengers were stuck. Initially, the passengers were not overly concerned as they believed the railway was prepared for such emergencies. However, it turned out that the equipment was ineffective, and approximately 5,000 men were hired to clear the tracks manually using shovels.

The outraged passengers remained in their cars the entire time, with no option to go back or provided adequate lodging and food. The spread of the influenza virus among the people was swift. However, the Zarate family managed to protect Lucia from falling ill. The fatal role in her demise was played by the insufficient heating. With temperatures dropping to minus 20 degrees, despite her parents' efforts to provide her with food and warmth, Lucia succumbed to hypothermia. She passed away on January 28, 1890.

Two days later, the tracks were finally cleared, and the trains resumed their journeys. For the Zarate family, however, the troubles did not end there. Upon reaching San Francisco, they planned to return to Mexico to bury their daughter on her native soil. However, customs officials demanded an exorbitant sum (equivalent to about $13,000 today) for transporting Lucia's body across the border. The Zarate family did not have that amount of money, but with the help of influential acquaintances, they managed to resolve the situation. Lucia Zarate found her final resting place in Vera Cruz, where her parents' home was located.