PT Barnum was born in Connecticut, one of ten children born to an inn-keeper and tailor and his second wife. Although he dabbled with many careers such as writing, publishing and philanthropy, he always considered himself a showman first.
Businessman and Politician
Barnum met his wife Charity, when he was 19 years of age and they remained together for 44 years. He was by this time a small business owner of a general store, a book auctioning trade, real estate and a lottery network.Influenced by his grandfather Barnum learnt to haggle, strike bargains and make sales through deceit. It was also the time that lottery mania had begun in the United States.
Barnum became involved in local politics and opposed the laws being considered at the time which restricted gambling and travel. Despite claiming that he disliked politics, Barnum served two terms as a Republican and ran twice for the United States Congress. When he was 65 he became mayor of Bridgeport and within a short twelve months had improved the water supply, supplied street gaslights and enforced alcohol and prostitution laws. He was also influential in the development of a local hospital, of which he became the first president.
Entertainer and Showman
Barnum became known for his hoaxes and his entertainment. He first bought a museum in New York City and called it ‘Barnum’s American Museum’ which soon became a popular showplace. The exhibits included large pictures of animals which could be seen from the pavement, a roof garden with a view of the city and daily hot-air balloon rides.
Barnum was also famous for his hoaxes. His first large scale ruse was the ‘Fiji’’ mermaid made from the tail of a fish and the head of a monkey. Then he exhibited Charles Stratton as the dwarf ‘General Tom Thumb’. Charles was a young boy of four who was a gifted imitator.
Barnum also managed the tour of Swedish singer Jenny Lind, whose ‘nightingale’ voice attracted big money and large audiences. Barnum took a huge financial risk in promoting her tour, but his investment paid off and the tour was a huge success.
Circus Owner
Barnum did not start his career in the circus until his early sixties. He established a travelling ‘museum’ which included a circus, menagerie and a number of ‘freaks’ and promoted it as ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’. The circus was the first to travel by train which due to the limited highways at the time allowed Barnum to increase his market . After many setbacks including fire and rail disasters, the show eventually toured the world as ‘Barnum & Bailey Circus’. The show’s main attraction was an African elephant called Jumbo who later died in a train wreck.
P.T. Barnum died in his sleep at the age of 81. Prior to his death he had allowed his obituary to be printed so that he could read it. He was acclaimed as the image of American spirit and creativity and a statue stands in his honour at Seaside Park in Bridgeport.
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