Gustav Dentzel was a German immigrant who built some of the earliest carousels in the United States.

Gustav Dentzel was born in Kreuznach, Kingdom of Prussia, on August 3, 1846.

[1] As a child, Gustav traveled around various German-speaking areas from fair to fair with his father Michael and his family during the summer, operating a portable carousel ride.

[3] Gustav opened a cabinet making shop and hired many German and Italian immigrants who had learned woodcarving in the "Old Country".

[3] Dentzel is credited for introducing the first steam-powered carousel and the use of menagerie animals, such as cats, lions, tigers, and deer, in addition to horses and chariots.