Barnum's Museum. New York, N.Y.
Scott R10c
1862-71 2c Express, orange
black SON cds, F
P.T. Barnum's American Museum, located at the corner of Broadway & Ann St. in lower Manhattan from 1841 to 1865, has long been recognized as a pivotal institution in tghe development of 19th century urban culture. Visitors could view the Fejee Mermaid to the articulate Tom Thumb as well as natural history in its manageries, aquaria and taxidermy exhibits, paintings, wax figures, and memorabilia.
The museum was destroyed by fire on July 13, 1865. Barnum reopened at a different location, but it too burned in 1868. At that time, Barnum turned to the circus, for which he is known today. |
