Baraboo, Wisconsin, was the birthplace of the renowned Ringling Bros. Circus, where the five Ringling brothers—Al, Otto, John, Charley, and Alf T.—erected their first tent on May 19, 1884. The show began as a tiny enterprise in which the brothers rented horses and wagons, put up the tents, sold tickets, and performed themselves. With a company roster of 18 people in addition to the owners, the circus grew through diligence, honesty, and hard work until it became a household word in America. On the 100th anniversary of its founding, its legendary successor, known as Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Combined Shows, still traveled from sea to sea, and the circus remained an entertainment experience cherished by young and old alike. The anniversary also honored Baraboo citizens who had been associated with the circus over the years and celebrated this important part of American entertainment heritage.