Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus was a renowned American traveling circus that was founded by P.T. Barnum, William Cameron Coup, and William F. Bailey in 1871 as P.T. Barnum's Grand Traveling Museum, Menagerie, Caravan & Hippodrome. The circus was later merged with the Ringling Brothers Circus in 1919, creating one of the largest and most famous circuses in the world, featuring performers such as Emmett Kelly, Gunther Gebel-Williams, and Dolly Jacobs. The circus was owned by the Ringling Brothers and later by Feld Entertainment, which also owned Disney on Ice and Marvel Universe Live!. Over the years, the circus performed in various venues, including Madison Square Garden and Cow Palace, and was featured in numerous films and television shows, such as The Greatest Show on Earth and Circus.

● History

The history of the circus dates back to 1871 when P.T. Barnum founded P.T. Barnum's Grand Traveling Museum, Menagerie, Caravan & Hippodrome, which later became Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1881. The Ringling Brothers Circus was founded in 1884 by Albert Ringling, August Ringling, Otto Ringling, Alfred Ringling, John Ringling, and Henry Ringling. The two circuses merged in 1919 to form the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, which was later owned by John Ringling and Irvin Feld. The circus was a major competitor to other circuses, such as Cirque du Soleil and Big Apple Circus, and featured performances by famous entertainers, including Harry Houdini, Charlie Chaplin, and Bob Hope. The circus also performed at various events, including the World's Columbian Exposition and the Pan-American Exposition.

● Performers and Acts

The circus featured a wide range of performers and acts, including clowns, acrobats, aerialists, and animal trainers. Some of the most famous performers included Emmett Kelly, who was known as "Weary Willie," and Gunther Gebel-Williams, who was a renowned lion tamer. The circus also featured performances by Dolly Jacobs, who was a trapeze artist and the daughter of Lou Jacobs, a famous clown. Other notable performers included Lillian Leitzel, who was a trapeze artist and strongwoman, and Eddie Cantor, who was a comedian and singer. The circus also featured acts such as the Flying Wallendas and the Trapeze Artists of the Moscow State Circus.

● Tours and Venues

The circus toured extensively throughout the United States and performed in various venues, including Madison Square Garden, Cow Palace, and the United Center. The circus also performed at outdoor venues, such as the Rose Bowl and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. In addition to its domestic tours, the circus also performed internationally, including in Canada, Mexico, and Europe. The circus was a major production that required a large crew and equipment, including train cars and big top tents. The circus was also featured in various films and television shows, including The Greatest Show on Earth and Circus, which was a BBC documentary series.

● Animal Welfare Concerns

The circus was criticized for its treatment of animals, including elephants, tigers, and lions. Many animal welfare organizations, including the Humane Society of the United States and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, expressed concerns about the circus's treatment of animals. The circus was also the subject of several lawsuits and investigations, including a lawsuit filed by the United States Department of Agriculture in 2011. In response to these concerns, the circus implemented various changes, including the retirement of its elephant act in 2015. The circus also partnered with various animal welfare organizations, including the World Wildlife Fund and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

● Legacy and Impact

The circus had a significant impact on American culture and entertainment, inspiring numerous films, television shows, and books. The circus was also a major influence on other circuses, including Cirque du Soleil and Big Apple Circus. The circus's legacy can be seen in various forms of entertainment, including contemporary circus and variety shows. The circus also played a significant role in the development of American popular culture, with its performances and characters becoming iconic symbols of American entertainment. The circus was also recognized for its contributions to the arts, including a National Medal of Arts award in 1997.

● Closure and Legacy

The circus closed its doors in 2017 after 146 years of operation, citing declining ticket sales and increasing competition from other forms of entertainment. The closure of the circus was met with sadness from fans and performers, who remembered the circus as a beloved institution. The circus's legacy continues to be celebrated, with its performances and characters remaining iconic symbols of American entertainment. The circus's impact can also be seen in various forms of entertainment, including contemporary circus and variety shows. The circus's legacy is also preserved through various museums and archives, including the Ringling Museum of Art and the Circus World Museum. The circus's closure marked the end of an era in American entertainment, but its legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world. Category:Circuses