An Elephant at the Museum

Writing by Courtney Walker

Artwork by Cameron Bly

If you’re traveling anywhere near Somers, you’ve likely driven past the Elephant Hotel—a Federal-style red brick building situated on 1.67 acres of land at the intersection of Route 202 (Croton Falls Road) and Somers Road (Route 100). Since 1927, the building has housed the Somers town hall, village offices, Somers Historical Society and the Museum of the American Circus. But a few hundred years ago, it was quite a different—and fascinating—story. 

The Elephant Hotel holds significant historical importance, particularly in relation to early American circus history and the town’s identity as the “Cradle of the American Circus.”

A pet elephant

The story of The Elephant Hotel begins with farmer, landowner, restaurateur and entrepreneur Hachaliah Bailey. Contrary to popular belief, he’s not that Bailey. Born in 1775, Bailey rose to prominence after purchasing the second-ever pet elephant to come to the United States. Yes, an elephant. In the 1800s, people could buy whatever type of animal they wanted. 

“I looked back, and it took me a while, but in the early 1800s, there were no laws about buying exotic animals and keeping them,” says Doris Jane Smith, longtime Somers historian. “They didn’t even need to be inoculated, unlike today.” 

“Bailey had dreams of buying the animal,” she continues. “And did so with two other members of the Zoological Society—the informal network of people involved in the early American circus and menagerie movement centered around Somers. Upon purchase, he used a sailboat to transport the elephant from lower Manhattan to Ossining. From there, Bailey slowly walked the elephant to his farm in Somers, stopping at a different farm each day so people in the area could pay to see the elephant.” 

Who owned the sailboat? A man born as James McGinnis who was adopted by the Bailey family—yes, that Bailey family. And that’s where the connection between Hacaliah Bailey and the Barnum & Bailey Circus comes in. 

Betting on “Old Bet”

Hachaliah Bailey named his majestic creature “Old Bet.” Bailey exhibited the animal throughout Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess County and up and down the eastern seaboard, from Savannah to Maine. His successful and lucrative travels with Old Bet inspired him to expand his collection of animals, and he soon began procuring other exotic creatures, such as lions, tigers and monkeys. This collection formed the basis of one of the first traveling menageries in the country. Bailey’s success also inspired other entrepreneurs to start their own traveling shows, contributing to the growth of the American circus industry.

Old Bet’s story came to a tragic end around 1816 when, during a tour, Old Bet was shot and killed by a farmer in Maine. The reason for the shooting is not entirely clear, but the incident left Bailey and the circus community devastated. 

Building The Elephant Hotel

Travelers visiting from around the region and beyond needed a place to stay. Thus, Bailey built The Elephant Hotel between 1820 and 1824 and named it in honor of his beloved Old Bet.

“The architecture is just magnificent,” says Smith of the three-story Federal-style building. 

The interior maintains much of its historical character, with period furnishings and decor that reflect the era in which it was constructed. 

“The hotel had 22 rooms, and there were so many activities happening at any given time,” Smith explains. “Not only was the hotel a traditional inn, but it also housed a tea room, restaurant, dance hall, post office and even a bank!” 

Some famous guests included Lionel Barrymore, Horace Greeley, D.W. Griffith, Carol Dempster and, of course, P.T. Barnum. 

“Remember, there was no television or other means of entertainment, so the hotel hosted elaborate soirees,” says Smith.

In 1827, over a decade after Old Bet’s death and three years after the hotel was completed, Bailey and other showmen erected a wood monument to Old Bet in front of The Elephant Hotel. The monument was originally a granite obelisk topped with a carved elephant, and the trunk from the original sculpture is still on display at the museum. There have since been several iterations of Old Bet, and the most recent monument, a life-sized bronze sculpture, was dedicated on April 20, 2024, otherwise known as World Circus Day. 

Preserving history

Today, The Elephant Hotel is home to the Somers Historical Society and the Museum of the Early American Circus. The museum includes a collection of artifacts related to the early American circus, including posters, photographs and costumes, with a particular focus on Bailey’s contributions. You’ll find exhibits on Bailey’s life, Old Bet and the development of traveling circuses in the U.S. The caption on an oil-on-canvas portrait of Bailey provides much information about his life. Of note, “It became tradition to travel at night to avoid giving free glimpses of the animals.” 

The museum also features exhibits dedicated to the history of Somers, including its development and notable residents. Visitors can learn about the town’s evolution and its significance during the 19th century.

The Elephant Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains a cherished symbol of Somers’ unique contribution to American cultural history. 

“It’s quite an honor,” says Smith. “Past members of the historical society spent many hours—and lots of paperwork—to gain this recognition.” 

This year, the town will celebrate its 200th anniversary, and, of course, it will include activities at The Elephant Hotel, where the roots of the American circus began.

This article was published in the September/October 2024 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.