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Barnums

Barnums refers to people bearing the surname Barnum, most famously Phineas Taylor Barnum, the 19th‑century American showman. The surname is of English origin and has become widely recognized in American culture because of Barnum’s promotional career and the later circus enterprise that carried his name.

Phineas Taylor Barnum (1810–1891) built a diversified career as a showman, impresario, and businessman, and he

The Barnum‑led circus became a major cultural phenomenon, promoted as the Greatest Show on Earth. Over time

Etymology and distribution notes: Barnum is an English surname with historical presence in the United Kingdom

also
served
as
mayor
of
Bridgeport,
Connecticut.
He
established
Barnum’s
American
Museum
in
New
York
City,
which
showcased
curiosities,
exhibits,
and
theatrical
attractions.
In
1881
he
co‑founded
Barnum
&
Bailey
Circus
with
James
Anthony
Bailey,
a
merger
that
created
one
of
the
most
famous
circuses
in
American
history
and
helped
popularize
large‑scale
traveling
entertainment.
it
expanded
and
eventually
merged
with
Ringling
Bros.
Circus
to
form
Ringling
Bros.
and
Barnum
&
Bailey
Circus.
The
combined
circus
operated
for
many
decades
before
ceasing
touring
in
2017.
The
Barnum
name
continues
to
be
associated
with
exhibitions,
museums,
and
promotional
ventures
linked
to
P.
T.
Barnum’s
legacy,
reflecting
the
long
influence
of
his
brand
of
spectacle
and
marketing.
and
North
America.
Variants
and
adaptations
have
appeared
in
various
records
over
the
centuries,
contributing
to
its
recognition
in
American
popular
culture.