Gilpin Historical Society
By David Forsyth, PhD
The first circus to cross the United States was famed showman Dan Castello’s Great Show of 1869. After leaving the eastern United States, it eventually arrived in Omaha where it traveled on the Union Pacific Railroad from Omaha to California, beginning its journey on May 27. Making numerous stops along the route, Castello and his circus arrived in Denver on June 3, 1869. The Denver Tribune described the arrival in Denver in breathtaking terms, writing that the parade into town was led by a magnificent golden chariot that held Ollershaw’s Excelsior Brass Band. Next came the elephants followed by the equestrian troupe mounted on finely dressed horses. According to the newspapers, the splendor of the animals was enough to make the “Rocky Mountains groan with jealousy.” The animals were followed by a long string of wagons that held the circus tents and other equipment. Following the wagons were the performers, the most notable of them being the Lawanda family from Brazil, who were well-known for their horse riding abilities and were making their first appearance in the United States. Mr. Sparks was the strong man, or a “modern Hercules” according to the newspaper and Henry Batty, the acrobat, had built his reputation performing in Paris. He was joined by the Carr brothers, who were gymnasts. Rounding out the entertainment were Kent and Merriman, who told “original and grotesque jokes.” Castello himself was both the Master of Ceremonies and a clown.
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