Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
Marshall Cohen—researcher and producer, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
DAN RICE WATER CIRCUS
DAN RICE WATER CIRCUS. While the first date of this circus coming to Dubuque is not known, it was before the CIVIL WAR. A highlight of the experience was the temporary escape of the rhinoceros which fell overboard and was caught in a buoy chain. The circus also featured "educated" pigs and dog tricks.
Rice again came to Dubuque in 1861 and on 1869 on a farewell tour.
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Source:
"Long, Happy Life of River Showboats," Telegraph Herald, April 7, 1858, p. 5