The Wisconsin Rail Car

Photo credit: Courtesy Pullman Company Archives, The Newberry Library, Chicago. 

Visit the Circus Museum to view the original private train car in which John and Mable Ringling traveled, criss-crossing the country. Built during the golden age of rail when the railroad’s cultural influence was at its peak, the Wisconsin car provides a unique insight into the splendid travel accommodations that the Ringlings enjoyed on their travels. John Ringling purchased the 79-foot car from the Pullman Company in 1905 and named it for the Ringling family’s home state. The private car transported the Ringlings back and forth between New York and Sarasota from 1905 – 1916, The car is a true icon of a gilded age entrepreneur.