Elephant Hotel, Federal style hotel building in Somers, US
The Elephant Hotel is a three-story brick building in Somers featuring large windows, multiple fireplaces, and an eight-foot cooking hearth designed in classical style. The structure displays the craftsmanship of the early 1800s with architectural details that reflect the importance of the place in its era.
Hachaliah Bailey constructed the building between 1820 and 1825 after gaining success from touring with Old Bet, the second elephant in America. This animal generated widespread interest at the time and brought recognition to Bailey's enterprise.
The Museum of Early American Circus on the third floor preserves artifacts and documents about how traveling animal shows shaped entertainment in America. Visitors can see the objects and records that tell the story of this unique form of public spectacle.
The lower two floors now serve as town offices for Somers, while the upper level contains a museum space. Visitors should check ahead about access hours and how best to reach the building.
A wooden elephant statue mounted on a granite pedestal stands in front of the building since 1827, honoring Old Bet and the early circus tours. This public monument was an unusual tribute to an animal for that era and shows the lasting impression the elephant made on people.
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