Rhinelander in Oneida County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Hodag
Photographed By Keith L, July 21, 2010
1. The Hodag Marker
Inscription.
The Hodag. . This mythical creature is the official symbol of Rhinelander. It was created in 1896 by "Gene" Shepard, Rhinelander pioneer timber cruiser and famous prankster. Shepard claimed to have discovered the animal in the woods near Rice Creek. He "captured" it by blocking the mouth of its den with rocks and rendering it unconscious with a chloroformed sponge on a long pole. Actually fashioned by a skilled woodcarver named Luke Kearney, the original Hodag was seven feet long and thirty inches high, black and hairy, with two horns on its head, twelve horns along its spine, and short powerful legs armed with long claws. , For years Shepard exhibited the Hodag at county fairs in a dimly lighted tent, controlling its movements with wires. Many spectators believed the animal was real. Shepard would assure them that he had captured it on "Section 37" and that it ate "nothing but white bulldogs and those only on Sundays." ,
Erected 1973.
This mythical creature is the official symbol of Rhinelander. It was created in 1896 by "Gene" Shepard, Rhinelander pioneer timber cruiser and famous prankster. Shepard claimed to have discovered the animal in the woods near Rice Creek. He "captured" it by blocking the mouth of its den with rocks and rendering it unconscious with a chloroformed sponge on a long pole. Actually fashioned by a skilled woodcarver named Luke Kearney, the original Hodag was seven feet long and thirty inches high, black and hairy, with two horns on its head, twelve horns along its spine, and short powerful legs armed with long claws.
For years Shepard exhibited the Hodag at county fairs in a dimly lighted tent, controlling its movements with wires. Many spectators believed the animal was real. Shepard would assure them that he had captured it on "Section 37" and that it ate "nothing but white bulldogs and those only on Sundays."
Erected 1973
Erected 1973 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 191.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.
Location. Marker has been reported missing.
Click or scan to see this page online
It was located near 45° 39.117′ N, 89° 24.708′ W. Marker was in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, in Oneida County. Marker was on Hodag Park Drive west of Messer Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker is in Hodag Park. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Rhinelander WI 54501, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within one mile of this location, measured as the crow flies. First Rural Zoning Ordinance (approx. one mile away); Veterans Memorial Monument (approx. one mile away).
The marker is in the background to the left of the Hodag Park sign.
Photographed By Keith L, July 21, 2010
4. The Hodag
Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce
450 West Kemp Street
Credits. This page was last revised on December 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 24, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,204 times since then and 42 times this year. Last updated on November 27, 2023, by Greta Schassler of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 24, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
