The first circus troupe of record dates back to 1724 when a small troupe gave its first performance in an open arena outside of Philadelphia. President George Washington was an avid circus fan.

America remembers the excitement and grandure of the circus and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus was The Greatest Show on Earth. It had it's beginning in 1871 and ran up to 2017.

When patrons went to a circus they came away with visions of performers, spangles, spotlights, and the smell of popcorn. The glitz and glamor of the 3 rings has provided many wonderful memories.

After 1956 the circus no longer exhibited under their own portable "big top" tents, instead using permanent venues such as sports stadiums and arenas. With weakening attendance and high operating costs, the circus closed on May 21, 2017 after 146 years.