Facts about Phineas T. Barnum
- Phineas T. Barnum (1810-1891) was an American showman with a genius for staging and promoting unusual events.
- Barnum's claims about his shows were often exaggerated or false, and he considered himself a master of the art of "humbug," or fooling the people. Yet he was one of the first entrepreneurs to recognize the importance of publicity, using techniques such as brass bands and sensational advertisements to draw attention to his shows.
- P. T. Barnum was born on July 5, 1810, in Bethel, Connecticut. He began his show business career at age 25 in New York City, where he exhibited an aged woman named Joice Heth, claiming she had been George Washington's nurse. Hundreds of people paid to see Heth, said to be 161 years old.
- In 1841, Barnum acquired the American Museum in New York City, where he displayed amusing and astonishing oddities— both genuine and fake—including sword swallowers, giants, bearded ladies, and the midget known as General Tom Thumb.
- In 1850 Barnum prometed and managed a highly successful American concert tour by the famous Swedish singer Jenny Lind.
- In 1871, Barnum launched a traveling circus that he billed as the "Greatest Show on Earth." Ten years later he joined his circus with that of a competitor, James A. Bailey.
- Under Barnum and Bailey the spectacular three-ring circus became an American institution.
- The Barnum and Bailey Circus was purchased by the Ringling Brothers in 1907.
- Barnum published an autobiography in 1855. He also was a member of the Connecticut state legislature and served one term as mayor of Bridgeport, Connecticut. He died in Bridgeport on April 7, 1891.
