P. T. Barnum, the famous circus owner, owned a tract of land which ran through the village. His intention was to make Port Jefferson the home base for his circus. The residents put a stop to his plans, and he eventually sold his land. Barnum Avenue now runs through the area that was once his land, and one of the Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Ferry boats is named the "P. T. Barnum". A house he had constructed also still exists but is privately owned.