“He eventually entered politics and became mayor of Bridgeport, Connecticut…”
One reason title research never gets old is that sometimes a land record comes with a pretty great story.
When P.T. Barnum was a boy, his grandfather gave him five acres of Connecticut land called Ivy Island. Barnum was told for years that he owned one of the most valuable farms in the state. His family even encouraged him to believe he was already quite wealthy.
Then, around age 12, Barnum finally went to see his property, only to find an untraversable swamp. Not exactly the inheritance a kid dreams about.
Years later, that same property became valuable in a completely different way. Barnum was able to use Ivy Island as security when he financed his purchase of the American Museum in New York in 1841.
The museum became one of the most popular attractions in the country, drawing crowds with its unusual collection of curiosities, animals, exhibits, and performers. That mix of spectacle, curiosity, and entertainment helped shape the way we experience entertainment today. (Anybody else love The Greatest Showman?)
Barnum’s story didn’t end with the museum. He eventually entered politics and became mayor of Bridgeport, Connecticut, where he got involved in developing the city. He also helped develop and fund Seaside Park, which is still one of Bridgeport’s best-known landmarks today.
And that’s what makes an old land record so interesting. A deed can look like a simple transfer of property until you follow the names, the land, and what happened afterward. In Barnum’s case, a piece of Connecticut property that began as a practical joke ended up playing a role in the story of one of America’s most famous showmen.
At Real Title Services, we spend our days following those records across the country. You never quite know what you’ll find hiding in the title.
Angela Sharp
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