Highland Falls in Orange County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Army Mule
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 23, 2008
1. The Army Mule Marker
Since 1899 the mule has been the West Point mascot promoting the spirit of the Corps of Cadets. Mules were very important to the Army in the late 1800s through World War I. While not regular cavalry mounts, mules were used extensively to pull supply wagons, caissons, and artillery pieces. Mules are stronger, more surefooted, more intelligent, and eat less than horses. Riding mules like “Hannibal” were used by mounted guards and by messengers.Hannibal (249-183 B.C.) was one of the greatest military leaders of all time. “Hannibal” was an exceptional West Point mascot. He served the Corps of Cadets faithfully from 1947 – 1964.
Erected 2004 by Company M, 2nd Regiment, West Point Class of 1954.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Military • Patriots & Patriotism. A significant historical year for this entry is 1899.
Location.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Benjamin J. Havens (a few steps from this marker); Iran Hostages (a few steps from this marker); Abrams Gate (within shouting distance of this marker); Capt. Molly Corbin (within shouting distance of this marker); Town of Highlands (within shouting distance of this marker); Warner Sisters (within shouting distance of this marker); Essayons— “Let Us Try” (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Path to Victory (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Highland Falls.
Additional commentary.
1. Hannibal's Fifth Birthday Bash
The West Point graduates of Company M-2, Class of 1954, who erected the monument of Hannibal, in conjunction with The Village of Highland Falls and The West Point Thayer Hotel, will celebrate Hannibal's
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 23, 2008
2. U.S. Military Academy Mascot
This monument honors all of the intrepid mule riders since 1899 who promoted the indomitable spirit of the Corps of Cadets. It was sculpted by J. David Nunneley.
This celebration will be a part of the West Point Class of 1954's fifty-fifth reunion. Jan LeCroy of Dallas TX, and George Perrin of Miami Fl, both Class of '54 Mule Riders, will be there. Steve Townes of Irving TX, Class of '78 Mule Rider and donor of the current Army Mules, is also expected. Also expected is Mr. J. David Nunneley, the sculptor from Broken Arrow OK, who created this heroic monument of Hannibal.
Current Mule Mascots "George", "General Scott", and "Raider" will be at the bash along with Cadet Mule Riders Micah Lockhart, Keri Anderson, Jacob Haag, and Oakland McCullough.
Highland Falls Mayor Joe D'Onofrio and Thayer Hotel manager Don Sagaria are working on many details to make "HANNIBAL'S FIFTH BIRTHDAY BASH" a grand event. Mule Cookies and Mule Punch will be served.
— Submitted December 26, 2008, by W.C. "Tiny" Tomsen of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
2. The vet for the mules during Hannibal's time
My father
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 23, 2008
3. Mascot Nameplate
The statue of Hannibal, the Army Mule, is located across the street from the West Point Visitor Center.
My father is now recovering from brain cancer (he is 75 and still practiced veterinary medicine until June), but I will tell you, those were the best days of his life. He was an Army Officer and he often spoke of the Sgt. Green, the army man who drove him there weekly, with great fondness. I do wish I could meet Sgt. Green some day. Sgt. Green was an African American man and my father was a caucasian Kentucky Boy, and this was in the 60s, and my father often said he met a friend for life, teaching me at a very young age great respect for the civil rights movement. The Army Mules hold a very dear place in my heart. I will always think of them when I think of my father.
As a side note, my mother is an identical twin and her twin sister ended up marrying a a West Point graduate.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 23, 2008
4. Credit Plaque on Reverse
This statue was donated to Highland Falls in recognition of their great support to West Point and the Corps of Cadets.
— Submitted November 16, 2010, by Micah Guilfoil of Louisville, Kentucky.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 25, 2009
5. Hannibal's Fifth Birthday Bash
The town of Highland Falls and the West Point Class of 1954 celebrate the Fifth Birthday of Hannibal, the Army Mule Mascot.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 25, 2009
6. Hannibal and Ranger II
The current Army mascot, Ranger II, poses in front of the statue of an earlier Army Mule during Hannibal's Fifth Birthday Bash.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 8,406 times since then and 193 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 28, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 5, 6. submitted on April 25, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
