Ringling Bros B&B Circus Background Information

The Ringling Brothers B&B Circus has been said to start back in the early 1790’s in which families have been enjoying the magic of the circus for over 130 years. P.T. Barnum was the man responsible for starting the “greatest show on earth,” as he was giving the public amazement throughout the 18th century with all types of acts including curious museums and characters. Barnum worked along side James A. Bailey and although the two had a few rough patches with their business they were able to work together to bring their shows together.

P.T. Barnum died in 1891 in which James A. Bailey carried on the Circus with great popularity but in the state of Wisconsin another circus was gaining much buzz, that the was Ringling Brothers Tented Circus which had been performing since 1884. After both shows performed in competition throughout the early 19th century, it was in 1906 that James A. Bailey died and the Ringling Brothers purchased the right of the circus in 1907. The Ringlings felt the shows deserved to continue on as separate performances and it wasn’t until 1919 that they were combined. The show had a run of several years and it was in the 1956 that through competition and financial trouble the Circus had to be shut down. The magic of the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey (B&B) would not be out for long, as Irvin Feld and his brother brought the magnificent show back in 1957 as an indoor presentation. The show has gone through several changes and accomplishments from the middle 1900’s until now and continues to bring families together across the country and hopefully will be for many years to come.