Empire of Culture: U.S. Entertainers and the Making of the Pacific Circuit, 1850–1890

Author

Wittmann, Matthew

University

University of Michigan

Date

2010

Language

English

Abstract

In the summer of 1853, New York City hosted its own version of the famous Crystal Palace Exhibition, which was the progenitor and model for the series of grand World’s Fairs staged during the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The exhibition was a matter of national pride for the still relatively young nation, one intended to demonstrate the progress of American industry and culture to the world. As the exhibition was coming together, the New York Clipper newspaper editorialized that: “It has been suggested, and the suggestion meets with general favor, that arrangements be entered into with Barnum, to get his consent to have himself placed over the principal entrance to the Crystal Palace, as the greatest specimen of American manufacture to be found in this country.” Although perhaps in jest, the idea that Barnum, or more particularly the brand of commercial popular culture he personified, was the singular contribution of the United States to the world was a remarkably perceptive observation.

Subjects

Topic

• Circus workers
• Entertainment events

Geographic

• Hawaii
• New Zealand

Temporal

• Late Victorian