Traveling Shows

During the Gilded Age, the expanding national railroad system allowed for the creation of the popular and economically successful traveling show industry. Circuses, Wild West shows, and other performances brought entertainment to Elmira. Each show introduced new acts which encouraged people to return each time the show was in town.

The Gilded Ideal

New railroad technology, including greater load-bearing abilities and longer rail cars, enabled circuses to carry more materials, thus enlarging shows. Faster train speeds granted traveling companies the ability to perform hundreds of shows per year. This technology provided local entertainers the opportunity to take their shows around the country and allowed businessmen like P.T. Barnum to grow rich.

The Tarnished Reality

While many traveling show creators became rich and famous, it was often through the exploitation of performers. Freak shows were popular attractions which displayed human "oddities." Many circuses became famous for exhibiting people with disabilities and those from foreign cultures. Although some of these shows were billed as educational, they were mostly designed to profit from the public’s curiosity.

P.T. Barnum’s World’s Fair, 1873 On September 17, 1873, P.T. Barnum’s Grand Traveling World’s Fair made its appearance in Elmira. Featuring thousands of amusements and performances, many Elmirans attended the show that would eventually be known as “The Greatest Show on Earth.”
Ad for Coup’s Circus, 1881 The railroad allowed visitors from other areas to see shows, such as Coup’s Circus. Fares including both transportation prices and admission, gave the most affordable rates.
Persian girl at a fair, circa 1890s Circuses were famous for exhibiting people from different countries around the world. This photograph shows a Persian girl performing at a local fair.
Lion cage in parade, circa 1890s This photograph shows lions traveling down Water Street in Elmira. It was very common for exotic animals and performers to parade down the street before the circus.
Acrobats perform at a fair, 1890s Acrobatic performances were commonly presented at many circuses.
Carolina Twins, circa 1890s Millie and Christine McKoy, otherwise known as the Carolina Twins, were conjoined twins. They were born into slavery in 1851 and sold as babies to be displayed around the world for their deformity. Their appearance in Chemung County was popular and was characteristic of the exploitation they experienced their entire life.

Traveling Shows

P.T. Barnum’s World’s Fair, 1873

On September 17, 1873, P.T. Barnum’s Grand Traveling World’s Fair made its appearance in Elmira. Featuring thousands of amusements and performances, many Elmirans attended the show that would eventually be known as “The Greatest Show on Earth.”

Ad for Coup’s Circus, 1881

The railroad allowed visitors from other areas to see shows, such as Coup’s Circus. Fares including both transportation prices and admission, gave the most affordable rates.

Persian girl at a fair, circa 1890s

Circuses were famous for exhibiting people from different countries around the world. This photograph shows a Persian girl performing at a local fair.

Lion cage in parade, circa 1890s

This photograph shows lions traveling down Water Street in Elmira. It was very common for exotic animals and performers to parade down the street before the circus.

Acrobats perform at a fair, 1890s

Acrobatic performances were commonly presented at many circuses.

Carolina Twins, circa 1890s