Eng and Chang

Born in current day Somers, New York in 1775, he indeed was one of the United States of America’s first citizens. Initially carrying on the family’s traditions of farming and livestock, north of the large population center of New York City, he became an entrepreneur by creating one the first touring circuses in the United States.

The livestock, either sheep, cattle, horses or hogs, was moved from the farm to market in New York City by first driving the herd to the Hudson River. Then, put aboard a large river boat (of which he was part owner), headed south to the stock yards located near the Bowery in Manhattan. In 1808, upon unloading at the stock yards, he saw a very peculiar looking animal. It was an Indian elephant tied up outside of the Bull’s Head Tavern across from the stock yards. Out of much curiosity and inquiry, Hachaliah bought it for $1,000, thinking it would make a terrific draft animal to do chores around the farm.

It was brought to his attention that this elephant, which he had named, “Old Bet,” was not the first, but the second elephant brought to America. The first one, brought from India in 1796, was part of a menagerie in Massachusetts as a show animal. Soon, along with a trained dog, several pigs, a horse, four wagons, and Old Bet as the main attraction, the beginning of touring circuses in America was born.

As more exotic animals from India and Africa began to arrive in America, Hachaliah’s farm owning neighbors saw the potential of owning exotic animals and started their own menageries. Soon after, Somers became known for its intriguing animals, and Hachaliah bought a few more unique specimens to bring on exhibition. The troupe traveled at night on foot, as to keep the identity of the main attractions out of sight until show time. They went to great lengths to keep the attractions out of sight. A large tent made of sheets and blankets was erected to keep Old Bet hidden during the day. As elephants became more commonplace and secrecy was no longer paramount, the canvas tent was introduced in 1825, and eventually grew to become the “Big Top,” for the performing acts.

A chance meeting in 1828 in South Carolina, led to the first time animals and talent acts performed together. The Purdy brothers from Somers operated the Royal Pavillion Circus, and lion tamer and first keeper of lions in America, Charles Wright, also a Somers native, came to the same town with his menagerie. The combination was a smashing success, and they toured together for the rest of the season up and down the Eastern Seaboard. Although Hachaliah Bailey died in 1845, a distant nephew, James Bailey, who had a stake in the Bailey affairs continued to tour with various animal exhibitions. P.T. Barnum lent his name to a Barnum and Bailey partnership with James in 1888. They joined the Ringling Brothers in 1909 and became “Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, The Greatest Show on Earth.”

A discrepancy turned into a lawsuit over naming rights was settled in court when the Town of Somers began using the term, “Birthplace of the American Circus.” The city of Delavan, Wisconsin, challenged with documentation citing Ringling Brothers as being active before the Bailey Circus. As a resolution, Delavan, Wisconsin is known as the “Birthplace of the American Circus,” and Somers, New York, as “The Cradle of the American Circus.” Either way, it has left us with an intriguing wealth of American history.

On tour in Maine in 1816, a man shot and killed Old Bet. Speculation was he was angry with the money and attention being paid to the elephant. Others maintain it was fear of the unfamiliar large beast. To memorialize old Bet, in 1820, Hachaliah began construction of the Elephant Hotel and erected a statue in her honor at the intersection of two major paths in Somers. The Croton Turnpike (of which he was director, and the only way to get those critters to the river), heading west to Ossining, New York on the Hudson River, and Danbury Turnpike heading north-south to New York City. Finished in 1825, it served as his residence and travelers’ rest. It still stands today and serves as Somers Town Hall. The third floor is dedicated as the Somers Circus Museum by the Somers Historical Society, full of vintage, 19th Century circus items and original posters on display. The grand building was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2005.

P.T. Barnum claimed to have sold tickets for Hachaliah Bailey’s menagerie as a youth, and Hachaliah Bailey had visited P.T. Barnum’s store years later in Danbury, Connecticut. At one point, it is believed but not documented or completely confirmed, Siamese twins Eng and Chang Bunker, as part of P.T. Barnum’s exhibitions met Hachaliah Bailey. The twins grew tired of circus life and worldwide fame. They decided to retire, bought farm acreage and moved to Mt. Airy, North Carolina. Both got married and had 22 children. During the Civil War, one son went to fight for the Union, and another went to fight for the Confederacy. Currently, there are over 150 descendants, and they have a Bunker Family reunion every year. A museum dedicated to Eng and Chang has opened in 2024, thanks to a grant from the Surry County Arts Council. The museum is kitty-corner to The Earle Theater in downtown Mt. Airy.

Hachaliah Bailey went on to serve two terms in the New York State legislature. After which, in 1837, he sold the hotel and moved to Fairfax County, Virginia. He bought land near the intersection of Leesburg Pike and Columbia Pike near Falls Church, thusly naming it Bailey’s Crossroads. The Crossroads served as winter quarters for the Bailey Circus. In 1845, he returned to Somers for a visit. Sadly, he was kicked in the head by a horse and subsequently died a few days later at age 70.

New Bronze statue of Old Bet erected 2024