Circus cars head to final home via the WSOR

Although the The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus took its last official run down the tracks in May, that doesn’t mean that the cars would never be on the rails again. Proof of that was seen on the Wisconsin & Southern Railroad in late July when three of the RBBB cars made their way to their final home at Circus World Museum.

The museum, based in Baraboo, Wisconsin, began in 1959 with less than an acre of land and six old circus wagons. It’s now an internationally recognized institution encompassing 64 acres, 30 permanent structures, seven winter quarters buildings, plus the Ringling Bros. Circus Train shed complex.

The Baraboo site has special significance as the location where the Ringling Brothers Circus got its start in 1871. Shortly before the Circus Train’s final curtain call, the WSOR Team received a call requesting information on how to move the three cars that Circus World had purchased through an auction for the museum.

WSOR General Manager Joe Via certainly understood the historical nature of this move and was happy to assist. WSOR’s Operations and MOW Teams coordinated the final move to Baraboo at the end of July.

“Preserving this history is important and celebrating the 146 year run of the ‘The Greatest Show On Earth’ is a bit like a dream come true,” noted Katie Sackett, director of commercial for the WSOR.

Sackett added, “Visiting this historical site is something I have done for the past 20 years with my family. Knowing that the last rail car movement was executed by the WSOR is simply amazing.”

Circus World Executive Director Scott O’Donnell said when the announcement came in March that the circus would close after 146 years, he knew the museum would want to try and preserve as many artifacts as it could, including rail assets.

“The task seemed daunting to procure and relocate full-sized rail cars until we received a comforting communication from Wisconsin & Southern Railroad,” O’Donnell said. “They understood the importance of these artifacts, respected their provenance to our greater circus family and said ‘We are here to help. Let’s get these family members home’.”

“From the humble start of this journey to the conclusion, Katie Sackett and the Team at Wisconsin & Southern Railway were valued compassionate partners. They responded immediately to any concerns or questions that we had, they continuously bested our expectations and delivered the rail cars safely to Baraboo for future generations to enjoy,” he said. “Our profound respect goes to every one of the Wisconsin & Southern Railroad family that made our dream a reality. First class all the way!”

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