19 May - Ringling Bros formed

 

On May 19, 1884, the Ringling Bros. Circus was launched, marking the beginning of what would become one of the most famous and long-running circuses in history. Founded by five of the seven Ringling brothers—Albert, August, Otto, Alfred, and Charles—the circus began as a small traveling show in Baraboo, Wisconsin, and grew into a major entertainment phenomenon.

Significance of the Ringling Bros. Circus

1. Cultural Impact: The Ringling Bros. Circus became an iconic part of American culture, known for its grand performances, exotic animals, skilled performers, and elaborate productions. It brought entertainment to towns and cities across the country, becoming a beloved institution.

2. Expansion and Mergers: In 1907, the Ringling brothers purchased the Barnum & Bailey Circus, another major American circus. The two circuses operated separately until 1919 when they merged to form the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, dubbed "The Greatest Show on Earth."

3. Innovation in Entertainment: The Ringling Bros. were pioneers in the circus industry, introducing innovative acts and production techniques. They were known for their large-scale productions and the introduction of new acts that captivated audiences.

Milestones in Ringling Bros. History

• 1884: The Ringling Bros. Circus is founded.
• 1907: Ringling Bros. purchase Barnum & Bailey Circus.
• 1919: The circuses merge to become the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
• 1956: The circus transitions from traveling by train to performing in stationary venues, ending its traditional big top tent performances.
• 2017: The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus closes after 146 years of operation, citing declining ticket sales and changing public attitudes toward circus animal performances.

Legacy

The legacy of the Ringling Bros. Circus is preserved through various means:

• Ringling Bros. Circus Museum: The Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin, showcases the history and memorabilia of the Ringling Bros. Circus, preserving its rich heritage.
• Education and Performing Arts: The legacy of the Ringling Bros. continues in the training and development of circus arts through institutions like the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College, which trained many famous clowns and performers.
• Pop Culture: The influence of the Ringling Bros. Circus can still be seen in various forms of entertainment and media, reflecting the enduring fascination with the spectacle and artistry of the circus.

Conclusion

The launch of the Ringling Bros. Circus on May 19, 1884, marked the beginning of an era in entertainment that captivated audiences for over a century. Its innovative approach to circus performances, significant cultural impact, and enduring legacy continue to be celebrated and remembered as an important part of American history.