08/07/2026
Holding the reins of history 🐎
Crafted around 1844 for Charles Sherwood Stratton, better known as General Tom Thumb, this miniature carriage was designed to match the performer’s proportions and drawn by Shetland ponies. Before continuing to its final destination at a national museum, the historic object was stored at Fortress Miami.
For an antique of this age, preservation requires more than available space. Stable environmental conditions, careful handling, secure storage, and specialized transportation all help protect delicate woodwork, painted surfaces, upholstery, and other original materials.
“In my four decades at Fortress Miami, I’ve seen some interesting and unique items stored, but I’d have to say that the Tom Thumb carriage was certainly in my top 5. That antique carriage was small enough to fit in an average-sized storage vault and was transported by a specialized truck to its final destination at a museum for all to enjoy.” — Kim Jones, VP at Fortress
From fine art to objects that defy easy categorization, every antique presents its own preservation needs.
Learn more about Fortress’ museum-quality storage at https://www.thefortress.com/
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Original 1844 General Tom Thumb Carriage. Image Courtesy of Antique Carousels.
Portrait of Tom Thumb stepping into his carriage, circa 1880. Charles Sherwood Stratton (1838 - 1883) was nicknamed General Tom Thumb by P. T. Barnum, the circus owner. (Photo by London Stereoscopic Company/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)