The First Circus in America, 1793, Created by John Bill Ricketts

Damn everything but the circus.
~Corita Kent

The first circus in America took place in 1793 in Philadelphia. At the corner of Market and 12th Streets a crowd gathered to see the circus presented by John Bill Ricketts and company. The circus took place in a circular, roofless arena with approximately 800 seats available. The first circus performers in America included equestrians, a rope dancer, and some tumblers.

Ricketts circus was an immediate success and he spent the next 7 years traveling with his circus from South Carolina to Quebec. George Washington visited the circus, probably because he was a distinguished horseman, and the equestrian events comprised a large part of the circus. Or perhaps like all the others flocking to the circus, he simply enjoyed the entertainment.

 Ricketts opened a circus building (Art Pantheon and Amphitheatre) in Philadelphia which was round and had a conical roof. The number and types of acts expanded, juggling and tightrope were added, then clowns and singers. The repertoire of the circus continued to grow, and Ricketts opened another circus in New York and 2 in Canada.

In December of 1799 the Art Pantheon and Amphitheatre in Philadelphia burned down. He attempted move the circus to New York, but that circus building had fallen into disrepair. He tried again in Philadelphia, in a building that had no roof. It was not a success.

Ricketts set sail for the West Indies in 1800. He enjoyed good fortune there and decided to return to England (his home country). His ship was lost at sea.

Note: The circus became a firmly established entertainment in America in 1793 when John Bill RIcketts presented the first one. It quickly became a traveling affair, because cities were few and far between, and none would sustain a  permanent circus. In 1802, the circuses began using large canvas tents to house the circus rings.

Something else I learned: There is a Circus Hall of Fame.