On this Bonus Episode of Esoteric America, we have fan of the show Jason, who joins us to breakdown the life of P.T Barnum. We discuss his not so humble upbringings, his propensity to tell a tall tale, his diverse cast of characters who constituted his "freak show" everything from Mermaids, to Tattooed Turks, Elephants, The Quaker Giant and Giantess, and General Tom Thumb possibly the shortest man to ever become a Freemason. Jason shared some local legends he's uncovered surrounding the burning of Barnum's elaborate Iranistan Mansion an example of Moorish Revival Architecture in Bridgeport, Connecticut commissioned by P. T. Barnum in 1848. It was designed by Bohemian-American architect Leopold Eidlitz. How many Elephants can the the Brooklyn Bridge withstand? find out on this edition of Esoteric America!  If you live in this area or have some questions or clues to contribute please email us at esotericamericapodcast@gmail.com or... if you'd like join us on the show! Email us at esotericamericapodcast@gmail.com if you'd like to research your local area and share it with us, or tell a friend.Instagram: @esotericamericaWatch on Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO0A8caVlYmn-n3QgLosqXQChad's Website/Book: https://chadstuemke.com/store/Roman's Podcast: https://altmediaunited.com/rising-ft-ashes/ RSS/XML Feed: https://feed.podbean.com/risingfromtheashes/feed.xmlMark and Tara's Podcast: https://myfamilythinksimcrazy.com/ RSS Feed: https://feeds.transistor.fm/my-family-thinks-im-crazyGet the SEEEN Travel Guide!https://ko-fi.com/s/6f1e1173a0Music CreditsIntroSong: Canto 3By Neon Beach