There was no one else like Phineas T. Barnum, and had he not existed, no one else could have invented him. He made millions by putting on shows of every description, and while his name has become something of a synonym for a con man, he was widely respected and even beloved in his own time.
In this gallery of vintage images are some highlights from the great showman's amazing, astounding, astonishing, illustrious, and spectacular career. Which is probably how he would have described it.
Gratitude is extended to the New York Public Library Digital Collections for permission to use many of the images in this gallery.
- The Great ShowmanPhineas T. Barnum
- The Greatest Attraction in New York CityBarnum's American Museum
- Barnum Creates a New York LandmarkBarnum's American Museum Building
- The American Museum's Grand HallThe Grand Hall
- The Grand Auditorium at the American MuseumBarnum's Exhibition Saloon
- Jenny Lind, the Swedish NightingaleJenny Lind
- A Winter Scene Outside the American MuseumSleighing in New York City
- Barnum's Museum BurnedConflagration at Barnum's Museum
- Phineas Barnum seated at his deskBarnum in his Office
- Phineas Barnum Poses with Commodore NuttBarnum with Commodore Nutt
- Barnum's New American Museum, circa 1866Barnum's New American Museum
- A Dramatic Scene in New York CityBarnum's Tiger Escapes
- Graphic Index
- Text Index
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