Baraboo in Sauk County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Ringling Bros. and Baraboo, Wisconsin Circus Heritage
The Ringling Bros. and Baraboo, Wisconsin Circus Heritage
presented by
Irvin Feld and Kenneth Feld Owners of the Greatest Show on Earth
This historical marker, commemorates the birthplace of the renowned Ringling Bros. Circus. It was in this city that the first tent was erected by the five Ringling Brothers -- Al, Otto, John, Charley and Alf T. -- on May 19, 1884.
In the beginning it was a tiny show, the brothers rented horses and wagons. They put up the tents, sold the tickets and performed in the show. In addition to the proud owners, there were 18 people on the company roster, but through their diligence, honesty and hard work, the circus eventually became a household word in America.
On this 100th anniversary date, the legendary successor to their tiny circus, now known as Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows, still travels from sea to sea. The circus remains an entertainment experience cherished by young and old alike.
The 1984 Baraboo Ringling Circus Centennial Association has earned the gratitude of circus fans everywhere for sponsoring a fitting celebration of this important part of American entertainment heritage, as well as their memorializing of Baraboo citizens who have been associated with the circus over the years.
It is our honor to salute the Ringling Bros. and the people of Baraboo on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the circus, and it is our privilege to carry on the great tradition for wholesome family entertainment that was born here.
Erected 1984 by Irvin Feld and Kenneth Feld.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1673.
Location. 43° 28.248′ N, 89° 44.579′ W. Marker is in Baraboo, Wisconsin, in Sauk County. Marker is on 4th Avenue west of Oak Street, on the left when traveling west. Marker is on the grounds of the Sauk County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 515 Oak Street, Baraboo WI 53913, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. World War I Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Sauk County Civil War Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Baraboo River (approx. ¼ mile away); Thompson House Hotel (approx. ¼ mile away); Ringling Brothers Circus Winter Quarters (approx. half a mile away); Camel House (approx. half a mile away); Ringling Bros. Circus (approx. half a mile away); The Ringling Winter Quarters and the Baraboo River (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baraboo.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. This is a list of Wisconsin circus markers.
Also see . . .
1. Ringling Brothers Circus. Wikipedia entry. "What distinguished the Ringling Brothers Circus from others was its honest and fair attitude toward the public... This reputation for clean dealing and good value brought them success, and soon they were able to make the leap into the ranks of railroad circuses." (Submitted on May 20, 2011.)
2. Ringling Bros. Circus. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows website. (Submitted on May 20, 2011.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,071 times since then and 14 times this year. Last updated on October 26, 2017, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 20, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.