P. T. Barnum

Date of Birth: July 5, 1810

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: April 7, 1891

Biography

Phineas Taylor Barnum, famously known as P. T. Barnum, was an American showman, businessman, and entertainer who is best remembered for founding the Barnum & Bailey Circus, also known as “The Greatest Show on Earth.” Born in Bethel, Connecticut, Barnum was a natural entrepreneur from a young age. He started his career as a small business owner, but his keen sense for showmanship and promotion led him to the world of entertainment. In 1835, Barnum introduced his first major hoax, a supposedly 161-year-old woman named Joice Heth who he claimed had been George Washington’s nursemaid. This was the beginning of his career in entertainment and public spectacle. Barnum went on to manage the American Museum in New York City, where he showcased various oddities, curiosities, and live acts, making it a huge success. In 1871, Barnum launched “P. T. Barnum’s Grand Traveling Museum, Menagerie, Caravan & Hippodrome,” which eventually became the world-famous Barnum & Bailey Circus. Known for his flair for publicity and his ability to draw large crowds, Barnum was a master of the extravagant and the spectacular. Barnum also served several terms in the Connecticut legislature and was the mayor of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Despite his showmanship, he was also a philanthropist, contributing to the development of various social and educational institutions.

5 Interesting Facts about P. T. Barnum

1. Barnum co-founded the Barnum & Bailey Circus with James Anthony Bailey in 1881.

2. He popularized the phrase, “There’s a sucker born every minute,” although there is no concrete evidence he actually said it.

3. Barnum was an advocate for the temperance movement and even wrote a book on the subject.

4. He was elected to the Connecticut legislature, where he worked to improve public services and education.

5. Barnum’s American Museum burned down twice, but he rebuilt it each time, making it even more grandiose.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from P. T. Barnum

1. “The noblest art is that of making others happy.”

2. “There’s no such thing as bad publicity.”

3. “Money is a terrible master but an excellent servant.”

4. “Whatever you do, do it with all your might.”

5. “Without promotion, something terrible happens… nothing!”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, P. T. Barnum’s net worth was estimated to be approximately $12 million, which would be equivalent to several hundred million dollars today when adjusted for inflation.

Children

P. T. Barnum had four children with his first wife, Charity Hallett: 1. Caroline Cornelia Barnum 2. Helen Maria Barnum 3. Frances Irena Barnum 4. Pauline Taylor Barnum