Audubon in New Orleans in Orleans Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
The Original Teddy Bear
According to a famous story, a Louisiana Black Bear was the inspiration for the first “teddy bear.” In 1902, President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt was hunting in Louisiana and Mississippi. The hunt went on for days without success, and by the last day, Roosevelt had still not bagged a bear. His hosts, anxious to send the President home with a trophy, captured a Louisiana Black Bear for him to shoot. Outraged by the lack of sportsmanship, the president refused to fire on the animal.
Shortly thereafter, an editorial cartoon by Clifford Berryman depicted the incident and portrayed the bear as a cuddly cub. An inspired Brooklyn store owner, who observed the public fascination with the incident, asked and received permission from the White House to sell his stuffed toy bears as “Teddy Bears," named after the President. The plush, lovable bears were a hit, and a staple of American culture was born.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Communications • Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #26 Theodore Roosevelt series list.
Location. 29° 55.172′ N, 90° 7.821′ W. Marker is
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Swamp People (a few steps from this marker); Trenasse Cutter (a few steps from this marker); The Flood of 1927 (within shouting distance of this marker); Boré Plantation - Audubon Park (approx. ¼ mile away); Audubon Zoo's Whooping Crane Legacy (approx. ¼ mile away); Audubon Zoo (approx. ¼ mile away); Classic Designs (approx. 0.4 miles away); DeDroit Residence (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Orleans.
More about this marker. Located inside the Audubon Zoo, in the Louisiana Swamp display.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 7, 2018, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 593 times since then and 68 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 7, 2018. 3. submitted on May 8, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.