Big Top Definition and Circus History
Learn the definition of the "big top" circus tent and discover how this 1825 canvas shelter revolutionized American traveling shows.
Chapter 1
The birth of the modern ring
Chapter 2
The American big top revolution
Chapter 3
Daring feats of the air and ground
Chapter 4
Global traditions and the modern circus
Ch 2 · The American big top revolution
schopenhauer American Big Top Revolution
Pitch the canvas, hoist the rigging, show's on the road!
Fun Fact
Circus train logistics: The US military during World War I studied Ringling's highly efficient rail-loading techniques to improve their own troop mobilization methods.
Glossary
big top (noun)
The main tent used for performances in a circus. In 1825, J. Purdy Brown popularized this canvas shelter, allowing American traveling shows to tour easily.
The main tent used for performances in a circus. In 1825, J. Purdy Brown popularized this canvas shelter, allowing American traveling shows to tour easily.
Quiz
In which year did P.T. Barnum launch his first grand traveling museum and circus?
BETA
schopenhauer Match classic circus trivia to discover the wild history of the Ringling Bros.
Quiz
Which innovation in 1825 allowed American circuses to travel easily and bypass city building bans?
Quiz
What was the original German family name of the Ringling brothers before they altered it?
Quiz
In which year did the Barnum & Bailey Circus and the Ringling Bros. Circus officially merge?
Quiz
What is the famous nickname given to the massive main performance tent of a circus?
Quiz
In which Wisconsin town did the Ringling brothers start their famous circus business?
Quiz
Which business partner of P.T. Barnum designed the flatcar system to transport circuses by train?