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.
The full Story of Jumbo
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. READ MORE💡 Did You Know? The Night That Changed local HistoryOn 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 monumentVisit Jumbo’s monument in the heart of St. Thomas, Ontario - an enduring symbol of our Railway City heritage.
📍 Address 65 Talbot Street. jumbo's plaqueVisit 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. |
Jumbo merch
nearby attractions
explore the jumbo story further:
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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 |
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 |
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