Colorized

The history of the circus dates back to ancient Rome, however, the most famous circus in modern American history was no other than the Ringling Brothers. Started by seven brothers and a sister, the iconic circus family began with humble roots in the Midwest. In fact, their first act started as a five-cent show in rural Iowa. Nevertheless, the show quickly grew and eventually merged with the famous Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1909.

The Ringling family. (Bojan Brecelj / Getty Images)

Their incredible story runs through the roaring ‘20s and even the Great Depression. Although they became one of the wealthiest families in America, at one point they also suffered great hardship. 'Circus King' John Ringling died with a paltry $311 to his name. This is the story of the Ringling family and the start of "The Greatest Show on Earth."

The Animals Came Two By Two

"The Greatest Show On Earth" was not to be missed. (newson6)

According to Henry Ringling North’s memoir, "Circus Kings: Our Ringling Family Story," the impetus for the Ringling family business began by watching show animals arrive by boat in 1870. Apparently, "When the last wagon had rolled slowly up the bank, Al (Ringling), with a sigh of relaxation, turn to Otto (Ringling) and said: 'What would you say if we had a show like that?'" And so they did. The first show only cost children a cent and netted a robust $8.37, which amounts to just under $245 in today’s money.

A Slow Burn

The family's first performance came in 1882 in Mazomanie, Wisconsin. They called it the "Ringling Bros. Variety Performance."

Of course, running a circus turned out to be much more difficult than the brothers first surmised. Their first “official” show ran under the name "Ringling Bros. Classic and Comic Concert Co." Disappointingly, their profits amounted to $12.50 less than their costs. Still, the brothers stuck at it and tried on as many names as hats. For years, they performed under names like "Ringling Bros. Grand Carnival of Fun," "Ringling Bros. Great Double Shows Circus, Caravan, Trained Animal Exposition," and Museum and Aquarium and Spectacular Tournament Production of Caesar's Triumphal Entry into Rome," among many others.

Entrepreneurial Brothers

The Ringling Brother brought amazing and unbelievable shows to the people. (business insider)

While their traveling band eventually did gain some traction in the Midwest, they couldn’t hit every town and hamlet eager for their show. So to expand, the brothers started buying up smaller ones in their region. That accomplished two goals: expand their business and take out the competition.

Their continual growth eventually caught the eye of Barnum and Bailey in 1888. In a merger that would eventually form the largest circus monopoly in the country, the two sides agreed to simple terms. First, they drew territorial lines that marked who would perform where. Barnum and Bailey secured the eastern markets while the Ringling Brothers gained a half interest in another circus owned by Barnum and Bailey.

A Void Created

More than 10 million people witnessed "The Greatest Show on Earth" annually.

When P.T Barnum died in 1891 from a stroke, the other half of Barnum and Bailey, James Anthony Bailey, bought out Barnum’s wife. Bailey smartly kept Barnum’s name on the marquee but not so wisely expanded to Europe. Though Bailey cashed in on Barnum’s outsized reputation in Europe, he neglected to watch over his east coast markets.

The Rise Of Ringling

When the show came to town, people came out in droves. (thejournaltimes)

As Bailey traipsed around Europe, the Ringling Brothers made their incursion into the east coast despite their agreement to do otherwise. Using animals and other acts to erect their tent became part of the show and amply whet the appetites of enormous crowds. By the time their competition returned from Europe, they had established themselves as the premier show in America.

A Monopoly Formed

Only 5 of the 7 Ringling brothers participated.

When Bailey returned to America in 1902 and found his east coast markets overrun by the Ringling Brothers, he accepted defeat. Without consummate showman Barnum, Bailey couldn’t hope to compete with Ringling Brothers. Therefore, he packed up the show and went west. Back then Arizona wasn’t even a state, so he forged into unknown territory. Unfortunately, for Bailey, he died just five years later. His widow, with no interest in running a circus, sold off everything to the Ringling Brothers, which made them the American kings of the circus.