April 3rd, 1793
Philadelphia was the birthplace of the first American circus. Beginning in 1793 by John Bill Ricketts, the circus included his acrobatic performances on horseback.1
Pictured below is the ampitheater that he created on 12th and Market Streets to hold his horse riding school and famous circus, which was expanded to include a "tightrope walker a juggling acrobat.. A month later he added a small band and an equestrian pantomime."2 Ricketts was also a close acquaintance of President George Washington, who attended the circus on April 24th, 1793.3 He brought the circus Boston, New York, and Canada.
Pictured below is the ampitheater that he created on 12th and Market Streets to hold his horse riding school and famous circus, which was expanded to include a "tightrope walker a juggling acrobat.. A month later he added a small band and an equestrian pantomime."2 Ricketts was also a close acquaintance of President George Washington, who attended the circus on April 24th, 1793.3 He brought the circus Boston, New York, and Canada.
1. "Ricketts Circus Historical Marker." Explore PA History: WITF, Inc., 2011. http://explorepahistory.com/hmarker.php?markerId=1-A-1DB
2. Ibid.
3. Ibid.
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