“The Greatest Show on Earth” was born and grew to maturity in Baraboo, just north of here. When the five Ringling brothers gave the first performance of their "Great Double Shows, Circus and Caravan," May 19, 1884, the main tent was 45 by 90 feet. . . . — — Map (db m185211) HM
This site served as the Spring Brook Farm winter quarters for the Burr Robbins Circus from 1874-1888. This show was once reported as the third largest circus in America. In 1874, Burr Robbins bought E.P. Doty's 100-acre farm and converted it into a . . . — — Map (db m109258) HM
Near this site the Lindemann Brothers Circus gave its first performance in 1918. Well established by 1925, the Lindemanns adopted the name Seils-Sterling and their circus became one of the country's greatest motorized shows. In 1937 its 29-week . . . — — Map (db m109262) HM
In 1847 two New York brothers, Edmund and Jeremiah Mabie, toured Wisconsin with their United States Olympic Circus. The circus stopped over in Delavan and the brothers took time off to hunt prairie chicken near Delavan Lake. They liked the area so . . . — — Map (db m109263) HM
At this site, March 20, 1871, the first P.T. Barnum Circus was loaded on rail cars and transported to Brooklyn, NY where it made its initial performance on April 10, 1871. The circus was conceived and organized in Delavan by William C. Coup and Dan . . . — — Map (db m109261) HM
Wisconsin has a unique heritage as the birthplace of circuses. More than a hundred had their beginnings in Wisconsin, with Delavan providing winter-quarters for twenty-six between 1847 and 1894. New York brothers Edmund and Jeremiah Mabie brought . . . — — Map (db m109259) HM
In Recognition of
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 . . . — — Map (db m109260) HM
On November 27, 1882, the Ringling Brothers of Baraboo formally started in the show business in Mazomanie, Wis. Here, in Schmitz Hall was presented The Ringling Bros. Classic and Comic Concert Co. Two years later the brothers started their own . . . — — Map (db m109264) HM
The Ringling family resided in Baraboo for many years. Being of German & French extraction, they literally went from rags to riches while operating their circus out of Baraboo. This closely knit family brought fame & prominence to their hometown, . . . — — Map (db m109265) HM
John M. Anderson, elephant trainer with the Great Wallace Circus Show, died in Racine on June 3, 1898 at the age of 54 when he was killed by his elephant. — — Map (db m109266) HM
