This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
The History of Circuses Through Time
The article outlines circus origins in Rome with the Circus Maximus and chariot races, then tracks development in England and the United States. It notes Major Philip Astley as founder of indoor circus, Bill Ricketts bringing US performances, and the evolution to tents, night lighting, and larger troupes culminating in Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey as the era's pinnacle.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Circus Maximus
England
Philip Astley
London
United States
John ‘Bill Ricketts
Philadelphia
New York City
George Washington