Commodore Nutt

Common card · No. 407012

George Washington Morrison Nutt (April 1, 1848 – May 25, 1881), better known by his stage name Commodore Nutt, was an American entertainer with dwarfism who became one of the most popular attractions exhibited by P. T. Barnum during the mid-19th century. Known for his quick wit, military costumes, and charismatic stage presence, Nutt achieved international fame through performances at Barnum's American Museum and on world tours before European royalty alongside General Tom Thumb, Lavinia Warren, and Minnie Warren. Barnum hired Nutt in 1861 after discovering him touring New England and transformed him into the fictional "Commodore Nutt", complete with miniature naval uniforms, a custom carriage shaped like an English walnut, and an extensive publicity campaign that promoted him as "The $30,000 Nutt". Although audiences frequently confused him with General Tom Thumb, the two performers often appeared together on stage and became among Barnum's best-known attractions. Nutt's unrequited love...

Read on Wikipedia · Image 19th century photographers Case and Getchell, Boston ca. 1865, Public domain