馃ぉ Incredible Facts Found About馃す鈥嶁檪锔廝.T. Barnum 馃悩 Revealed!
P.T. Barnum was a famous 19th century showman and entrepreneur known for his traveling three-ring circuses and his ownership of the American Museum in New York City. Here are 10 things you may not know about him:
Barnum was an entrepreneur from a young age, selling snacks and homemade cherry rum at local gatherings, and by age 12 had made enough money to purchase his own livestock. He also owned a general store, a small lottery, and a newspaper called the "Herald of Freedom."
He gained fame by engineering a famous hoax in 1835, when he purchased Joice Heth, a blind slave claimed to be the 161-year-old former nurse of George Washington. After billing Heth as a "curiosity," Barnum put her on display in New York and took her on a tour of New England. The truth about her age was revealed after her death in 1836 during a public autopsy, which showed she was likely no older than 80.
Barnum didn't go into the circus business until later in life, at age 60. Before that, he was known for the American Museum, which contained historical artifacts, animal menageries, and freak shows, including General Tom Thumb and the "Fejee Mermaid." He started his traveling circus after his museum was destroyed by fire twice.
Barnum helped popularize opera in the United States by bringing European opera singer Jenny Lind to the country for a multi-city tour in 1850. He promoted Lind's tour with a media blitz and a nationwide contest to write a song for her to sing. Lind's popularity helped make opera a mainstay in American theaters.
The phrase "there's a sucker born every minute" is often attributed to Barnum, but there is no evidence he ever said it. Some believe it may have been coined by one of his rivals.
Jumbo, a 6-ton African elephant purchased by Barnum from the London Zoological Society in 1882, became a beloved mascot and symbol of Tufts University in Massachusetts after the animal's untimely death in a train accident.
Barnum was a strong abolitionist and supported the women's suffrage movement. He was also a philanthropist and donated money to various causes, including the construction of a hospital in his hometown.
Barnum was a successful politician and served as a member of the Connecticut legislature and later as mayor of Bridgeport, Connecticut.
He was married twice and had six children.
Barnum's name is synonymous with circus entertainment, and he is credited with popularizing the term "show business."
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