The Greatest Show: The Story of Jumbo the Elephant
On September 15, 1885, a tragic collision along local railway tracks forever linked St. Thomas to international history. Jumbo—the star attraction of P.T. Barnum’s Greatest Show on Earth and the most famous animal on the planet—spent his final moments in the city he had just entertained. How can you not feel moved when it ends with Jumbo reaching out to pull his beloved keeper, Matthew Scott, close for a final hug as he took his very last breath?
Today, St. Thomas honors this tender, giant legacy with a life-sized 38-tonne monument, vibrant street art, and an incredible story that permanently left its mark on the English language.
Today, St. Thomas honors this tender, giant legacy with a life-sized 38-tonne monument, vibrant street art, and an incredible story that permanently left its mark on the English language.
💡 Did You Know?
Jumbo Changed the English Language
Before Jumbo’s global fame in the 1880s, the word "jumbo" didn't exist in the English dictionary as a synonym for extra-large! His immense fame with P.T. Barnum made his name a household word across North America. Every time you order a jumbo coffee, spot a jumbo jet, or watch a jumbotron, you’re referencing St. Thomas’ most famous historical visitor.
💡 Did You Know?
P.T. Barnum's Famous Circus Myth
Circus showman P.T. Barnum claimed in newspapers that Jumbo heroically threw himself in front of the train to push little Tom Thumb (a dwarf elephant) off the tracks and shield his keeper. While it remains a heartwarming circus legend, eyewitness reports confirmed it was a tragic railway accident—though Barnum's story cemented Jumbo as a gentle hero forever!
Jumbo the Elephant was the star of P.T. Barnum's "Greatest Show on Earth" where, it is said, he brought in the largest crowds in the history of the circus.
Captured in Africa, Jumbo spent time in London - where he was greatly loved - until PT Barnum purchased him to star in his circus. Londoners were most distressed to see him leave, in 1882:
The beast had been a pet with the children in the London Zoological Gardens ... It required two weeks to build a van-like cage for the journey by sea [aboard the Assyrian Monarch], and then keepers went to the zoo to lead Jumbo to the ship...
He strode along all right until the gate of the garden closed behind them and then lay down in the street. It was a pure case of elephantine obstinacy, and the animal wouldn't budge.
Captured in Africa, Jumbo spent time in London - where he was greatly loved - until PT Barnum purchased him to star in his circus. Londoners were most distressed to see him leave, in 1882:
The beast had been a pet with the children in the London Zoological Gardens ... It required two weeks to build a van-like cage for the journey by sea [aboard the Assyrian Monarch], and then keepers went to the zoo to lead Jumbo to the ship...
He strode along all right until the gate of the garden closed behind them and then lay down in the street. It was a pure case of elephantine obstinacy, and the animal wouldn't budge.
💡 Did You Know? The Night That Changed local History
On the night of September 15, 1885, after performing for over 10,000 spectators in St. Thomas, Jumbo was being guided along the Grand Trunk Railway line to reload into his circus car. An unscheduled freight train unexpectedly rounding the curve left the giant animal with nowhere to turn, anchoring St. Thomas in circus and railway history forever.
jumbo's monument
Visit Jumbo’s monument in the heart of St. Thomas, Ontario - an enduring symbol of our Railway City heritage.
📍 Address 65 Talbot Street.
📍 Address 65 Talbot Street.
jumbo's plaque
Visit the site of Jumbo's death and see the historic plaque.
Find the location on the west side of Woodworth Ave, St. Thomas ON, just north of the railway tracks.
📍 Address approx. 105 Woodworth Ave.
Find the location on the west side of Woodworth Ave, St. Thomas ON, just north of the railway tracks.
📍 Address approx. 105 Woodworth Ave.
Jumbo merch
explore the jumbo story further:
WEB RESOURCES
🔸 Jumbo Timeline
🔸 The Nature of Things featuring Jumbo
🔸 CBC News Video
🔸 YouTube Jumbo tricks
🔸 Elgin Tourist Jumbo Story
🔸 Barnum Museum Virtual Exhibition
🔸 Ontario Southwest Jumbo Monument
🔸 10 Strange Attractions Across Canada
🔸 The Star Travel & the Legend of Jumbo
🔸 Mysteries of Canada
🔸 Tuft's University Journal
🔸 Jumbo Timeline
🔸 The Nature of Things featuring Jumbo
🔸 CBC News Video
🔸 YouTube Jumbo tricks
🔸 Elgin Tourist Jumbo Story
🔸 Barnum Museum Virtual Exhibition
🔸 Ontario Southwest Jumbo Monument
🔸 10 Strange Attractions Across Canada
🔸 The Star Travel & the Legend of Jumbo
🔸 Mysteries of Canada
🔸 Tuft's University Journal
BOOKS
Available @ the St. Thomas Public Library:
🔸 Jumbo: W. P. Jolly
🔸 Jumbo: The Greatest Elephant in the World: Paul Chambers
🔸 Jumbo: Giant Circus Elephant: Justin Denzel
🔸 Jumbo: P.T. Barnum’s Greatest Creation: John Passfield
🔸Jumbo: The Biggest Elephant in all the World: Florence McLaughlin Burns
🔸 Jumbo, 1885-1985: Official Souvenir Program
🔸 World Went Mad when Mighty Jumbo Came to America: Theodore James
🔸 The Story of Jumbo: W. F. L. Edwards
Available @ the St. Thomas Public Library:
🔸 Jumbo: W. P. Jolly
🔸 Jumbo: The Greatest Elephant in the World: Paul Chambers
🔸 Jumbo: Giant Circus Elephant: Justin Denzel
🔸 Jumbo: P.T. Barnum’s Greatest Creation: John Passfield
🔸Jumbo: The Biggest Elephant in all the World: Florence McLaughlin Burns
🔸 Jumbo, 1885-1985: Official Souvenir Program
🔸 World Went Mad when Mighty Jumbo Came to America: Theodore James
🔸 The Story of Jumbo: W. F. L. Edwards