description Mollie A. Bailey Circus Overview
The Mollie A. Bailey Circus was an American tent show established by a former Civil War nurse, active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This traveling circus primarily toured the Southern United States, bringing entertainment to various communities. It was recognized for its role in providing classic American circus performances to audiences across the region.
help Mollie A. Bailey Circus FAQ
Who founded the Mollie A. Bailey Circus?
Mollie A. Bailey was the leading operator of the traveling circus that took recognizable form in 1879. She became known as the Circus Queen of the Southwest and ran the show through the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. [Texas State Historical Association](https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/bailey-mollie-arline-kirkland)
What did Mollie Bailey do during the Civil War?
She traveled with Confederate forces as a nurse and was also reportedly a spy. Accounts say she carried quinine through enemy lines while working around John Bell Hood's Texas Brigade.
How large was the Mollie A. Bailey Circus?
At its height, the one-ring tent show had about 31 wagons and roughly 200 animals. Elephant and camel acts were added in 1902, giving the traveling show a larger spectacle.
How did the circus serve Southern communities?
It toured smaller communities across the South and Texas rather than operating as a fixed urban venue. Bailey was also known for giving free tickets to Union and Confederate veterans and allowing circus land to be used by local communities.
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