P. T. Barnum's Accomplishments

Phineas Taylor Barnum, also known as P. T. Barnum, was an entrepreneur throughout his unconventional life. During his time, he helped reshape American values and transform entertainment. When Barnum passed, he left behind a legacy that still lives on in the American entertainment industry, as well as, in present-day marketing and politics. P.T. Barnum’s most famous endeavors and lasting impacts were in the entertainment industry. In the mid-1800s there was a lack of public entertainment, specifically family-friendly spectacles. Barnum's entrance into the entertainment business irrefutably changed this; he offered society shows and displays that were intellectually stimulating, unique, and captivating (barnum-museum). His pioneering work in the entertainment industry on the circus, singing tours, and even aquariums, still live on in society today.

T. Barnum became famous for his circus, he was well-known for his extraordinary establishment: Barnum's American Museum. Originally Scudder's American Museum, P. T. Barnum purchased and renamed the building in 1841. Eventually, Barnum created and displayed 850,000 distinctive exhibits in this museum (Biography.com). One of his most influential and revolutionary exhibits was the first aquarium in the United States. Two of the main attractions in his aquarium exhibit were sea lions and beluga whales (theatlantic). While unusual to see in captivity during the 1800's, these animals are now commonly seen in many places, such as SeaWorld. As a result of Barnum's inspiring display, there are presently over 200 establishments accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in America alone that house approximately 6,000 different animal species (aza). While many of his unusual exhibits are well-known, such as the Feejee Mermaid and General Tom Thumb, his concept for aquariums still inspires millions of citizens