The Fischer Quintuplets: A South Dakota Family's Legacy

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In 1963, the Fischer quintuplets were born in Aberdeen, South Dakota, making history as the first surviving set of quintuplets in the United States. The five siblings - Mary Ann, Maggie, Cathy, Margie, and Jim - became international celebrities, receiving donations and a large estate outside of Aberdeen. Though their parents divorced in 1980, the quintuplets and their six other siblings have remained incredibly close, gathering for holidays and milestones even after their parents passed away.

Why it matters

The Fischer quintuplets' story highlights the power of family bonds and resilience in the face of fame and life's challenges. Their story also showcases how a small town like Aberdeen can gain national attention through an extraordinary event, putting it on the map.

The details

The Fischer quintuplets were born on September 14, 1963 at St. Luke's Hospital in Aberdeen. Because they were so tiny, each could fit in a human hand, and were placed in incubators and closely monitored. This was the first time surviving quintuplets had been born in the U.S., sparking a media frenzy. The quintuplets received a medal from the Pope and large donations, including an 800-acre farm with a 17-room mansion outside of Aberdeen to accommodate the family of 11 children. Though their parents divorced in 1980, the quintuplets and siblings have remained close, gathering for holidays and milestones even after their parents passed away.

• The Fischer quintuplets were born on September 14, 1963 in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
• Their parents, Mary Ann and Andrew Fischer, divorced in 1980.
• Mary Ann Fischer passed away in 2012.
• Andrew Fischer passed away in 2015.

What’s next

The Fischer quintuplets and their siblings continue to gather for holidays and milestones, maintaining the close-knit bond forged in their early years of fame.