Illuminating the Night
Cole Circus’s Historic Debut of Electric Lights in Joplin
In the late 19th century, a remarkable spectacle rolled into Joplin, Missouri—not with the usual parade of elephants and daring acrobats, but with a technological marvel that would transform the city forever. It was the Cole Circus, and its most dazzling attraction was not a performer but the wondrous glow of electric lights.
A Circus of Innovation
Founded in 1871 by William Washington Cole, the Cole Circus was more than a traveling entertainment show—it was a showcase of innovation. Cole, a visionary showman, understood that beyond the thrill of performances, technology could captivate audiences just as profoundly. By the early 1880s, the circus had incorporated electric lighting, using the Brush Arc Light, a cutting-edge invention by Charles F. Brush.
At a time when most of America relied on gas lamps and candlelight, electricity remained a mystery to many. The Cole Circus was among the first traveling shows to incorporate electric lighting, making it a spectacle that extended far beyond the traditional boundaries of circus entertainment.
A Night of Firsts in Joplin
The year 1882 marked a turning point for Joplin. When the Cole Circus arrived in town, it brought its usual lineup of attractions—acrobats, animals, and sideshow curiosities—but it was the electric lights that stole the show. For the first time, many Joplin residents saw the night transformed into day.
The Brush Arc Lights, known for their bright and powerful glow, illuminated the circus grounds, casting a light far beyond anything gas lamps could achieve. People gathered in awe, marveling at the sight of artificial daylight. Some stood mesmerized, realizing they were witnessing the future unfold before them.
The Lasting Impact on Joplin
The introduction of electric lights to Joplin was not just a novelty—it was a glimpse into a new era. The demonstration by the Cole Circus planted the seeds for the town’s electrified future. Just five years later, in 1887, inspired by the circus’s lighting display, W.G. Sergeant built Joplin’s first electric light plant. His efforts brought electricity to the town, revolutionizing its infrastructure and pushing it toward modernity.
Though electric lights were met with mixed reactions, with some residents complaining about the loud hum and crackle of the carbon-burning lights, the overwhelming sentiment was excitement. The demonstration at Fourth and Main Street, led by Sergeant, reinforced the notion that electricity was not just a passing novelty, but a necessity for the future.
More Than Just a Circus Act
The Cole Circus’s electrifying visit to Joplin was more than entertainment—it was a milestone in the town’s history. The spectacle of electric light served as an early technological exhibition, mirroring the shift that would eventually take place across cities and towns worldwide as they moved from gas and oil lamps to electricity.
William Washington Cole’s circus was known for more than just dazzling performances—it was a pioneer of progress, bringing innovation and wonder to towns across America. The night that the Cole Circus lit up Joplin was not just another evening under the big top—it was a night that ushered in the electric age for the city.
The glow of those first arc lights would fade, but their legacy would endure, illuminating the future of Joplin for generations to come.
