Adam Forepaugh Circus, 1867-1894

Adam Forepaugh reviews
The Hertzberg Circus Collection of the Witte Museum,
San Antonio Texas

Adam Forepaugh might be lesser known than his popular rivals, but he was still an integral force in Circus history and is an important part of how the circus came to be what it is today. His company was the first to utilize a two tent system, separating the acts from the sideshow. This made him stand out as innovative and creative in an already competitive market. Although his circus was successful for a long time, people grew wary of his show when it started being known more for its high level of crime than its circus acts. Forepaugh eventually lost out to more popular, bigger shows.