Annapolis in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Navy Mascot

Photographed by Kevin W., March 15, 2008

1. The Navy Mascot Marker

Inscription. The Naval Academy has had a goat as its mascot since 1890 when, according to legend, on their march from the ferry station at Highland Falls up the steep hill to West Point to play the first Army-Navy football game, the Naval Cadets (as they were then known) saw a goat outside the noncoms' houses at West Point and promptly commandeered "Billy" for their mascot. Since that time the goat has remained as the recognized mascot of the U.S. Naval Academy.

Erected 1957 by U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1915.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Military • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.

Location. 38° 58.731′ N, 76° 29.054′ W. Marker is in Annapolis, Maryland, in Anne Arundel County. It is at the intersection of Cooper Road and King George Street, on the right when traveling east on Cooper Road. Marker is located on the grounds of the United States Naval Academy. A picture ID is required to enter the Academy grounds. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Annapolis MD 21402, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Maryland.

It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic

and in the Chesapeake Bay Region.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: N* (here, next to this marker); The Joseph R. Hunt Court (a few steps from this marker); Lieutenant General John Archer Lejeune

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(within shouting distance of this marker); United States Naval Academy (within shouting distance of this marker); Greg Harlin's John Paul Jones's Ranger (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Birthplace of U.S. Naval Air Forces (about 400 feet away); Commodore John Barry (about 500 feet away); Ricketts Hall (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Annapolis.

Also see . . .
1. The Official History of Bill the Goat, the Naval Academy's Mascot. "It was not until 1893, however, that a live goat made his debut as a mascot at the fourth Army-Navy game. Again, it was young naval officers who supplied the mids with their sea-faring pet. The USS New York dropped anchor off Annapolis and the ship’s mascot, a goat bearing the name El Cid (The Chief), was brought ashore for the service clash. The West Pointers were defeated for the third time, and the midshipmen feted El Cid along with the team." (Submitted on March 25, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)

2. A Brief Illustrated History of the Navy Goat. United States Naval Institute News entry (Submitted on January 7, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Dedication Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin W., March 15, 2008

2. Dedication Marker

Photographed by Kevin W., March 15, 2008

3. The Navy Mascot Marker

Bill the Goat, 2011 image. Click for full size.

via USNI, 2011

4. Bill the Goat, 2011

Credits. This page was last revised on January 7, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 22, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 8,577 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 22, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 4. submitted on January 7, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.