The Greatest Showman Timeline ( Real )

birth
July 5, 1810

P.T. Barnum born

Phineas Taylor Barnum, the inspiration for The Greatest Showman, was born in Bethel, Connecticut.

career_milestone
January 1, 1841

P.T. Barnum opens his first museum

Barnum opened his American Museum in New York City, an early step in his show business career.

personal_life
September 7, 1829

Lucy Barnum marries P.T. Barnum

Barnum married his wife, Charity Hallett, who is depicted as Lucy in the film.

business_event
March 20, 1871

P.T. Barnum launches his circus

Barnum began his circus business, which eventually became famous worldwide as 'The Greatest Show on Earth.'

business_event
June 11, 1871

'The Greatest Show on Earth' debuts

P.T. Barnum's circus officially adopted the title 'The Greatest Show on Earth,' marking its rise in popular culture.

death
April 7, 1891

P.T. Barnum's death

P.T. Barnum passed away, ending an era of showmanship and entertainment innovations.

The Greatest Showman Timeline ( Fictional )

personal_life
Early 1800s

P.T. Barnum Meets Charity

Phineas Taylor Barnum meets and falls in love with Charity Hallett.

personal_life
Early 1800s

Barnum Marries Charity

Barnum and Charity get married and start their family life.

career
Early 1800s

Barnum Loses Job and Gets Inspired

Barnum loses his job at the museum and later gets inspired to create a new form of entertainment.

career
Early 1800s

Barnum Begins Collecting Acts

Barnum starts collecting unique acts and performers including the bearded lady and trapeze artists.

career
Early 1800s

The First Show Opens

Barnum's circus show opens and becomes an immediate sensation.

career
Mid 1800s

Barnum Meets Jenny Lind

Barnum meets and signs soprano Jenny Lind to perform for his show.

career
Mid 1800s

Jenny Lind's Successful Concerts

Jenny Lind's concerts attract wealthy audiences but also cause tensions within Barnum's circus.

career
Mid 1800s

Barnum Faces Financial Difficulties

Barnum's circus faces financial struggles and public criticism.

personal_life
Late 1800s

Barnum and Charity Reconcile

Barnum realizes what truly matters and reconciles with his wife Charity and their children.

career
Late 1800s

Barnum Restarts His Circus

Barnum restarts his circus with renewed focus on family and performers.