Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus was once known as “The Greatest Show on Earth.” For nearly 150 years, it delighted audiences across America with death-defying acrobats, dancing elephants, clowns, and more. However, in 2017 the iconic circus folded its tent for good.
The History of Ringling Brothers
The story of the Ringling Brothers Circus begins in 1884, when five brothers – Alf T., Al, Charles, John and Otto Ringling – started a small touring show in Wisconsin. Their first show was on November 27, 1882 in Mazomanie, Wisconsin. It featured only a few acts and some home-crafted costumes and props. But the brothers had an entrepreneurial spirit and were determined to make their show a hit.
In 1884, the brothers took their show on the road for the first time using the name “Ringling Bros. Classic and Comic Concert Company.” Within a few years, they began adding animals and more acts to create a full-fledged circus. By 1889, the circus had become large enough that they were able to move the show by train, greatly expanding their touring radius.
The Ringling brothers purchased the Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1907 after the death of famed showman P.T. Barnum. They merged the two traveling circuses in 1919 and promoted the show as “Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows”. This launched the circus into the stratosphere and made it one of the most famous circuses in the world for decades to come.
The Golden Age of Ringling Brothers
The early 20th century marked the golden age of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. At its peak, the circus was a beloved American institution that seemed like it would go on forever.
Some key facts about Ringling Brothers during its heyday:
- Performed up to 340 shows per year across America
- Employed over 1,000 performers from dozens of countries
- Featured famous acts like the Flying Wallendas highwire troupe
- Included a menagerie with hundreds of animals including elephants, tigers, lions, and more
- Transported equipment and animals by train using a 60-car train known as “The Big One”
- Entertained over 30 million people per year at its peak
Ringling Bros. helped define the very concept of the American circus. It was a place where people could escape into a magical world of acrobats, clowns, and exotic animals from around the globe. For many families, attending the circus was an beloved annual tradition.
Decline and Closure
Starting in the late 20th century, Ringling Bros. faced a slow and steady decline. As entertainment options multiplied, the classic circus format lost appeal for many Americans. Rising costs and shrinking audiences made it difficult for the circus to remain viable as a business.
Some key reasons that contributed to Ringling Bros. decline:
- Rise of film, television, video games, and internet as competing entertainment
- High operating costs including venue rentals, train transport, and performer salaries
- Public concern about treatment and care of circus animals
- Several tragic accidents hurt the circus’ reputation
- Changing public tastes and loss of interest in circus format
In May 2017, after 146 years of shows, the parent company Feld Entertainment announced that Ringling Bros. would stage its final performance later that month. The last-ever Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus shows took place on May 21, 2017 in Uniondale, NY and Providence, RI.
Fate of the Circus
After Ringling Bros. closed, the fate of its assets and performers was uncertain. Here’s a rundown of what happened next:
- Animals – Most of the circus’ tigers, lions, camels, donkeys, alpacas, and other animals were transferred to sanctuaries and rescue centers.
- Equipment – Hundreds of railcars and other circus equipment were sold off at auction. Several train cars found new life as attractions at places like Orlando’s Showcase of Citrus and Margaritaville Resort Orlando.
- Performers – Acrobats, clowns and other performers had to find work at smaller circuses, theme parks, cruise ships, or pursue other careers.
- Brand – Feld Entertainment retains the rights to the Ringling Bros. name and intellectual property.
While the Ringling Bros. circus no longer tours, its legacy lives on through books, films, memorabilia, and the memories of the millions of fans who enjoyed the iconic circus over its nearly 150 year history.
Could Ringling Bros. Return?
There have been occasional rumors of a Ringling Bros. revival. However, there are no specific plans in place for the brand to return as a touring circus.
In 2020, Feld Entertainment did announce plans for a new live Ringling Bros. circus show to launch in 2023. However, it would be a permanent show in a fixed location, not a traveling tent circus. Location and details have not been confirmed.
While unlikely, some analysts say a Ringling Bros. revival could potentially find a niche audience if executed properly. Factors that could allow a comeback:
- Nostalgia – Older generations fondly remember the spectacle
- Families – Parents want to share the experience with kids
- New Approach – Focus on human performances without animal acts
However, the high costs and changing tastes make a true revival very challenging. But never say never – the Ringling name still carries magic for many.
Conclusion
For all practical purposes, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus that traveled the country by rail for nearly 150 years is gone. While its legacy endures, the cost and complexity of a traveling tent circus make it unlikely to return in its previous form. Feld Entertainment does plan to launch a new permanent Ringling-themed circus show in the future. However, the days of “The Greatest Show on Earth” traveling from town to town appear to be over.