P. T. Barnum Autograph

Profession:
(1810-1891) American politician, showman, and businessman remembered for promoting celebrated hoaxes and for founding the Barnum & Bailey Circus

Year of Birth: 1810

Phineas Taylor Barnum was born on July 5, 1810, in Bethel, Connecticut. He was the son of a tavern keeper and the grandson of a Revolutionary War veteran. Barnum was a successful showman, businessman, writer, and philanthropist. He is most famous for his traveling circus and museum, which he founded in 1841.

Barnum was an entrepreneur from a young age. At age 12, he had already started a newspaper. In his 20s, Barnum began to work in variety theater management. He became a successful showman and promoter, and eventually opened the first American circus in 1835.

Barnum was also a successful businessman. He owned a variety of businesses, including a wax museum, a publishing company, and a real estate firm. He was also a successful writer, authoring several books, including The Life of P.T. Barnum, published in 1855.

Barnum was an influential philanthropist. He was a strong supporter of the temperance movement and was a major financial backer of the American Anti-Slavery Society. He also established a number of charitable institutions, such as the Barnum Foundation, which provided assistance to the poor and elderly.

Barnum was an innovator and showman who changed the face of entertainment. He popularized circus performances, introducing new acts and animals to the shows. He also pioneered the use of marketing and promotion to increase ticket sales. He often used outrageous publicity stunts to draw attention to his shows.

Throughout his life, Barnum was a passionate advocate for the rights of all Americans. He was a strong believer in the power of education, and he provided educational opportunities to those who could not afford them. He also supported the rights of women and African Americans. Barnum died on April 7, 1891, at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of ingenuity, creativity, and philanthropy.