Elephant Hotel facts for kids
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Elephant Hotel
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Elephant Hotel in 2007
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 Location in New York
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| Location | 335 Route 202, Somers, NY |
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| Nearest city | Peekskill |
| Area | 1.67 acres (0.68 ha) |
| Built | 1820-1825 |
| Architect | Hachaliah Bailey |
| Part of | Somers Hamlet Historic District (ID04000349) |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001323 and 05000462 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | August 7, 1974 |
| Designated NHL | April 5, 2005 |
The Elephant Hotel is a special old building in Somers. This town is located in Westchester County, New York. Once a hotel, it now serves as the town hall.
This historic building is famous for its connection to the very first American circuses. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Later, in 2005, it became a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a really important place in American history! You can find it at 335 US 202.
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The Elephant Hotel's Circus History
The Elephant Hotel was built by a man named Hachaliah Bailey. He is known as one of the creators of the famous Bailey Circus. Bailey started building the hotel in 1821. He wanted it to be a memorial to the amazing animals he showed to people.
Who Was Old Bet the Elephant?
Hachaliah Bailey bought an African elephant and named her "Old Bet". At first, he planned for Old Bet to help with farm work. But so many people came to see her that Bailey decided to take her on tour. This was one of the first times an exotic animal toured in America!
Sadly, Old Bet was shot and killed during a tour in 1816. She was a very special elephant.
Somers: The Cradle of the American Circus
Bailey's tours with Old Bet inspired many other people to travel with exotic animals. During the 1830s, these early animal shows and Bailey's attractions came together. This led to the modern circus we know today. Because of this important history, Somers is known as the "Cradle of the American Circus."
Some people believe Old Bet was buried right in front of the hotel. A monument to Old Bet was placed there in 1827. The town of Somers bought the Elephant Hotel in 1927. It became a town landmark and a National Historic Landmark in 2005.
Museum of the Early American Circus
The Somers Historical Society is located on the third floor of the Elephant Hotel. They run a special place called the Museum of the Early American Circus. This museum teaches visitors all about the beginnings of the American circus. You can visit the museum on Thursday afternoons and during some special holidays.
See also
