Learn About The 50 States
Phineas Taylor "P.T." Barnum (1810)close
P.T. Barnum was born in Bethel, Connecticut. He was one of the most colorful and well-known personalities in US history. Barnum was the founding force behind one of America's most famous circuses: Barnum & Bailey Circus. Known as a huckster, he is often quoted as having said, "There's a sucker born every minute," however, it's likely he did not originate the phrase. He did, however, make the exhibition of such human curiosities as General Tom Thumb, a dwarf who stood just over 3 feet tall, the centerpiece of his "traveling museum."
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Looking for a famous American?
This page presents short biographies of more than 200 famous Americans drawn from our unit, "The 50 States." These personalities are arranged by theme.
Just click a theme at the top of the page to view a selection list for that theme.
African Americans:
Artists:
Business Leaders:
National "Characters":
| Phineas Taylor "P.T." Barnum | Clyde Barrow | John Wilkes Booth |
| Butch Cassidy | William "Buffalo Bill" Cody | Davy Crockett |
| Jesse James | Evel Knievel | Harland David "Colonel" Sanders |
| Jefferson R. "Soapy" Smith |
Cultural Figures:
Inventors:
Pioneers and "Firsts":
Politicians & Activists:
Scientists:
Sports Figures:
Accomplished Women:
Writers & Poets: