when was the first circus built
But it was not until 1793 that a Scotsman named John Bill Ricketts (1760-1800) opened an. 800-seat riding academy at the corner of 12th and Market Streets in Philadelphia, and on April 3, 1793 he. gave a performance of what is generally recognized as Americaâs first circus performance.
Ironically, Astleyâs show was never called. a circus. That moniker was first applied to the Royal Circus in 1782, founded and operated by Charles. Hughes, one of Astleyâs former riders. It was just a matter of time before this new type of entertainment made its way to the United States of. America.