State College in Centre County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Nittany Lion Shrine

Photographed By Marsha A. Matson, September 25, 2014

1. Nittany Lion Shrine Marker

Inscription. What's a Nittany? The word Nittany is derived from the Algonquian word Nit-A-Nee meaning "single mountain." The original inhabitants of the area used Nit-A-Nee to describe the mountain, and it likely became corrupted to Nittany by the first Europeans to settle the area in the 18th century. By the time of Penn State's founding in 1855, the word was already in use.

"Joe" Mason. Third baseman on the 1904 Penn State baseball team, Harrison Joe" Mason is credited with originating the idea of a mountain lion for the Penn State mascot in a prideful boast to a visiting powerhouse baseball team from Princeton:
"Well, up at Penn State, we have Mount Nittany right on our campus, where rules the Nittany Mountain Lion, who has never been beaten in a fair fight. So Princeton Tiger, look out."

Erected by Penn State Class of 2012.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania State University series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1855.

Location. 40° 47.893′ N, 77° 51.594′ W. Marker is in State College, Pennsylvania, in Centre County. Marker can be reached from Shortlidge Road, on the right. Marker is on the campus of Penn State University. Touch for map

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. Marker is in this post office area: University Park PA 16802, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Chace Hall (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Faculty Cottages (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hibbs Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Walnut Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Haller Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Stephens Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Breon-Stover Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mushroom Science (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in State College.

Nittany Lion Shrine and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Marsha A. Matson, September 5, 2014

2. Nittany Lion Shrine and Marker

Nittany Lion Shrine image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Marsha A. Matson, September 5, 2014

3. Nittany Lion Shrine

Credits. This page was last revised on June 1, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2014, by Marsha A. Matson of Palmetto Bay, Florida. This page has been viewed 456 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 28, 2014, by Marsha A. Matson of Palmetto Bay, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.