One of the most striking aspects of P.T. Barnum's circus was the group of "phenomena" that people could see up close in his shows. From bearded women to dwarfs, almost anyone could find a place in Barnum's circus, and history has documented the most impressive cases.

If someone tried to follow a path similar to P.T. Barnum today, they would probably end up in jail, condemned by society, or both. Above all, Barnum was an extraordinary salesman, and he had no problem resorting to tricks or deceptions to promote his shows.

Then we have the use of animals, something more than incompatible with modern standards, and finally we come to the "phenomena," people with special abilities or unusual physical defects. How unusual? The answer to that question will be left to the gallery we will share below.

A Gallery of Human Curiosities

The 'Human Curiosities' of P.T. Barnum's Circus
Frank Lentini
The 'Human Curiosities' of P.T. Barnum's Circus
Annie Jones
The 'Human Curiosities' of P.T. Barnum's Circus
He arrived in the United States at age eight and worked for a wide list of circuses, including Barnum's. His career spanned more than four decades.
The 'Human Curiosities' of P.T. Barnum's Circus
Jones arrived at Barnum's circus at nine months old, and her parents received $150 a week. Her career lasted more than 35 years, and she also became a great singer.
The 'Human Curiosities' of P.T. Barnum's Circus
Sprague started touring at age 24 in 1865, and a year later Barnum hired him to join his traveling museum. He married and had three perfectly healthy children.
The 'Human Curiosities' of P.T. Barnum's Circus
One of Barnum's 'creations,' Heth was presented as a 161-year-old woman, when in reality she was 79 at the time of her death. Barnum made her autopsy public... and charged admission.
The 'Human Curiosities' of P.T. Barnum's Circus
Barnum crossed paths with Jeftichew in 1884 and did not hesitate to bring him to the United States. He created a story for him in which he was supposedly captured inside a cave, wild and almost impossible to tame.
The 'Human Curiosities' of P.T. Barnum's Circus
Real name Katharina Brumbach, 'Sandwina' made a place for herself in the show after defeating the father of bodybuilding, Eugen Sandow, in a weightlifting contest. As expected, she ended up in Barnum's ranks.
The 'Human Curiosities' of P.T. Barnum's Circus
Barnum discovered Kahn in the suburbs of San Francisco at some point in 1869 and immediately added him to his group under the name 'Admiral Dot.' Kahn continued for more than 20 years, working with other dwarfs.
The 'Human Curiosities' of P.T. Barnum's Circus
Their fantastic 'story' involved armed sailors, nets, and a brutal struggle that led to their capture. After working for almost 30 years, both dwarfs came under Barnum's wing, who made their careers explode.
The 'Human Curiosities' of P.T. Barnum's Circus
Data suggest Barnum brought Randian to the United States in 1889, at age 18. He could shave, paint, write, assemble and light cigarettes. He spoke four languages and appeared in the film 'Freaks' in 1932.
The 'Human Curiosities' of P.T. Barnum's Circus
Also known as 'The Last of the Aztecs,' Schlitzie had extensive participation in various circuses, including Barnum's. He worked in several Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer films, including 'Freaks.'