Trade Card Advertising Jumbo the Elephant, 1882

01

Artifact Overview

Showman P. T. Barnum purchased Jumbo, an 11-foot, 6-ton African elephant, from the London Zoo in 1882. Barnum shipped the giant pachyderm to America to star in his circus. Jumbo became a national sensation. Manufacturers and merchants capitalized on Jumbo's popularity by referencing the elephant in advertising materials like trade cards. This card depicts Jumbo receiving a "friendly push" through New York City.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Trade card

Date Made

1882

Subject Date

1882

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

90.0.281.286

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Color

Multicolored

Dimensions

Height: 2.75 in
Width: 4.5 in

Trade Card Advertising Jumbo the Elephant, 1882