The Greatest Showman, P. T. Barnum, had deep ties to Connecticut. He was born and grew up in Bethel and spent much of his adult life in Bridgeport, where he served as mayor. The town of Bethel is proud of its native son, born in 1819. He began as a Bethel newspaperman and store owner.
When he was in his twenties, he started his career as a showman, with uneven prospects. Then, in 1841 Barnum acquired a circus museum in Manhattan, which became a popular success. Soon after, he started touring companies, theaters and event spaces.
When he was 60, P. T. Barnum established the traveling circus for which he is known today.
A statue of Barnum stands outside the library in his hometown of Bethel, Connecticut.
1 comment:
He was an amazing showman, but with little respect for the general public. While his museum in Manhattan contains some exhibits of scientific merit, many others were pure fraud, like the mermaid. "There is a sucker born every minute." Bethel must be proud of him.
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