Shows, Great Double Circus, Royal European Menagerie, Museum, Caravan, and Congress of Trained Animals." In 1906, Bailey died, which led to the Ringlings taking over Forepaugh–Sells, which continued to operate separately. In October 1907, the stockholders of Barnum and Bailey's Circus approved the sale of the circus to the Ringlings. Due to declining audiences and employees being drafted for World War I, Ringling Circus and Barnum and Bailey's Circus were merged in 1919 as Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. References External links Ringling Collection of images of 19th century American and British actors and actresses Circuses Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus