Tom Thumb Day

Tom Thumb Day is dedicated to the most famous little man in world history! He was only 4 inches tall at 24 years old. Today, society is more tolerant of everyone who is different, but at that time, little people were considered unique and often took part in circus performances.

History

Charles Sherwood Stratton was born in 1838 to a rough and mean Connecticut carpenter. His father was reputed to be immensely greedy and was ready to do anything to earn a bottle. Quite by accident, Phineas Barnum found out about the midget boy, found him, and invited his father to go on tour. Not surprisingly, he asked him for money to “rent out” his son and followed them. The meeting became fateful: it remains to be guessed how the life of a baby in a forgotten town would have turned out next to an irresponsible alcoholic.

Phineas took custody of Charles: he paid for the best governesses so that the boy could learn dancing, manners, singing, and other arts. He came up with a stage image and a new name. The boy himself felt confident on stage, winning the hearts of fans with his sincerity. There were tours in the USA, then all over Europe, and the group even had an appointment with Queen Victoria.

In 1863, the celebrity married another little person. Over two thousand guests came to the wedding! Sherwood died of a stroke in 1883 while his wife was on tour. It was a real hit! About 10,000 people came to the funeral, and they all cried.

Interesting facts

Did you know that:

• on a honeymoon trip to Europe and Japan, the couple took a baby, whom they presented as their son. They earned unprecedented money;
• at 40, the man grew to 27 inches;
• the newlyweds were invited to dinner with Abraham Lincoln;
• the man traveled alone, trying to earn money for his patron.

How to celebrate

Learn more about the life of this small person with a big soul on Tom Thumb Day. Watch documentaries—they will captivate you. Share information with others so that the memory of him will never disappear.

When is Tom Thumb Day in 2025?

Tom Thumb Day is observed on January 4 each year.

Observations