Barnum with Commodore Nutt, photograph by Charles DeForest Fredricks

P.T. Barnum (1810–1891) was an American showman, businessman, and entertainer, best known for founding the Barnum & Bailey Circus, which became known as "The Greatest Show on Earth." Born in Bethel, Connecticut, Barnum started his career in entertainment by purchasing and promoting a variety of attractions, including a famous hoax with the "Feejee Mermaid" and the exhibition of African-American slave woman Joice Heth, whom he claimed to be George Washington's nurse.

Barnum was a master of publicity and used sensational advertising techniques to attract crowds. His early ventures in entertainment included the establishment of a museum in New York City, featuring a wide range of curiosities and exhibits. His most notable creation, however, was the circus, which he started in 1871 by combining acts and performers from various sources. Over time, it became a major cultural institution, traveling around the country and featuring exotic animals, acrobats, clowns, and human oddities.

Barnum's circus helped popularize the modern form of the traveling circus, and he played a key role in shaping public entertainment in the United States. Despite his success, he also faced criticism for exploiting performers and sensationalizing exhibitions. In addition to his career in entertainment, Barnum was involved in politics and philanthropy, serving as a member of the Connecticut legislature and as mayor of Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Barnum's legacy is mixed, as his ability to entertain and his often controversial business practices left a lasting impact on American culture. He died in 1891, but his circus continued for many years after his death, eventually merging with James A. Bailey's circus to form Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.