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Columbus Circus House: A Historical Landmark
The Columbus Circus House, located in Baraboo, Wisconsin, is a significant historical landmark. It served as the winter headquarters for the Ringling Brothers Circus from 1884 to 1918, a period crucial to the circus’s growth and establishment as a major American entertainment institution.
The Ringling Brothers’ Winter Headquarters
Baraboo, Wisconsin, was chosen as the winter home for the Ringling Brothers Circus due to its central location and the brothers’ roots in the area. The Columbus Circus House functioned as a central hub for all operations during the off-season. This included not only housing the performers and animals but also providing facilities for training, repairs, and the creation of new acts. The house itself, though not a singular building, refers to the entire complex of structures utilized by the circus during this time.
Significance of the Location
The location was advantageous because it provided ample space for storing equipment, training animals, and preparing for the upcoming touring season. The proximity to railroads also facilitated the transportation of the circus and its large entourage to various locations across the United States. The local community in Baraboo also benefited economically from the presence of the circus, creating a symbiotic relationship.
Impact on the Circus Industry
The Columbus Circus House period was transformative for the Ringling Brothers Circus. It allowed them to refine their business practices, develop elaborate shows, and establish a national brand. The structured environment of the winter quarters enabled better organization and control over all aspects of the circus. The Ringling Brothers’ success in Baraboo laid the foundation for their eventual acquisition of Barnum & Bailey, creating “The Greatest Show on Earth.” You can learn more about the history of the circus on Wikipedia’s circus page.
Preservation and Legacy
Today, the legacy of the Columbus Circus House is preserved through the Circus World Museum in Baraboo. The museum showcases the history of the Ringling Brothers Circus and the broader circus industry, including artifacts, costumes, and historic circus wagons. Visitors can explore the original buildings and learn about the lives of the performers and workers who made the circus a phenomenon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Columbus Circus House?
The Columbus Circus House refers to the complex of buildings in Baraboo, Wisconsin, that served as the winter quarters for the Ringling Brothers Circus from 1884 to 1918.
Why was Baraboo chosen as the winter headquarters?
Baraboo was chosen due to its central location, the Ringling Brothers’ ties to the area, and the availability of space and resources needed to maintain and prepare the circus during the off-season.
What can you see at the Circus World Museum today?
At the Circus World Museum, you can see historic circus wagons, costumes, artifacts, and learn about the history of the Ringling Brothers Circus and the circus industry in general.
When did the Ringling Brothers move their winter quarters from Baraboo?
The Ringling Brothers moved their winter headquarters from Baraboo in 1918.
What impact did the Columbus Circus House have on the Ringling Brothers Circus?
The Columbus Circus House period allowed the Ringling Brothers to develop their business practices, refine their shows, and establish a national brand, ultimately leading to their success and the creation of “The Greatest Show on Earth.”
Summary
The Columbus Circus House represents a pivotal era in the history of the Ringling Brothers Circus. As their winter headquarters in Baraboo, Wisconsin, it was instrumental in shaping the circus into a major entertainment phenomenon. Today, the Circus World Museum preserves this legacy, offering insights into the history and impact of the Ringling Brothers and the circus industry on American culture.
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