Document: Petition to county court related to the Bridgeport Harbor Pilot (page 2)

This is a petition to the county court of Fairfield County whose goal is to appoint a harbor pilot for Bridgeport. P.T. Barnum's signature is on the second page, in the lower part of the right hand column. It is an example of P.T. Barnum's involvement in the development of Bridgeport, as the responsibility of a harbor pilot is primarily to help guide ships through busy shipping lanes, like those found in harbors, and avoid accidents. The position requires in depth knowledge of the port, the waters of said port, the currents, depths, and a number of other factors. By signing this petition, Barnum was helping to safely develop industry in the city. Phineas Taylor (P.T.) Barnum (July 5, 1810-April 7, 1891) is primarily associated with the Barnum and Bailey Greatest Show on Earth. However, Barnum only began to focus on the circus in 1871. Prior to that he managed the American Museum in New York City from 1842-1868, was an elected official, mayor of Bridgeport, philanthropist, promoter, newspaper editor, and investor, among many, many other things. He promoted an image of himself along with his various ventures, which changed throughout the years, and was a celebrity in his own right.