Three Ringlings in Montana: Circus Trains to Cattle Ranches

Flamboyant John Ringling—one of five brothers who founded the Ringling Brothers Circus—came to Montana in 1903 looking for investments. He ended up building a railroad and launching a ranching company. His nephew Richard followed John to Montana in 1917 to establish a cattle and sheep empire, while Richard’s son Paul continued the family’s legacy. Author Lee Rostad tells the Ringlings’ Montana story—with commentary from Paul—plus tales of the circus’s ups and downs. Presence of the Past program series. Sept 10, 2015.