Let’s dive into the captivating world of Oregon Thundereggs, the state’s official rock, and uncover the history behind these geological wonders. Today we explore the rich legacy of Thundereggs in Oregon, shedding light on their formation, cultural significance, and why they continue to capture the imagination of rockhounds and geologists alike.

The Origins of Oregon Thundereggs

Thundereggs, or lithophysae, are not your typical rocks. These geological formations date back millions of years, formed in the ancient volcanic landscapes of Oregon. Thundereggs are created when gas pockets in rhyolitic lava flows are filled with silica-rich water, gradually crystallizing into the beautiful agate centers we see today. Here’s a guide to understand the differences between rocks and Thundereggs. 

Thundereggs in Native American Culture

The term ‘Thunderegg’ is steeped in Native American legend. It’s believed that these rocks were viewed as the physical remnants of battles between thunder spirits dwelling in Oregon’s volcanoes, particularly Mount Hood and Mount Jefferson. The name itself encapsulates the mythic origins and the cultural importance these formations held for the indigenous people. 

Oregon’s Official State Rock

In a testament to their significance, Thundereggs were designated as Oregon’s official state rock in 1965. This recognition highlights not only their geological importance but also their role in Oregon’s natural heritage. Thundereggs symbolize the state’s rich volcanic history and its diverse geological tapestry. Explore this history in detail at OnlyThundereggs.com’s State Rock Section.

Thunderegg Hunting in Oregon

Oregon is renowned for its abundant Thunderegg locales, attracting enthusiasts from all over the world. Locations like the Ochoco Mountains and Richardson’s Rock Ranch are famous for their quality and variety of Thundereggs. These sites offer a glimpse into the adventurous world of Thunderegg hunting, where each discovery is a window into ancient geological processes. For tips on where to find Thundereggs, check out OnlyThundereggs.com’s 2024 Guide.

Thundereggs Today: A Collector’s Delight 

Today, Thundereggs remain a popular item among collectors and geology enthusiasts. Each Thunderegg is unique, with patterns and colors that tell a story millions of years old. For collectors, they are not just rocks but natural artworks, showcasing the beauty and complexity of the Earth’s geological history. 

In conclusion, the history of Oregon Thundereggs is as layered and fascinating as the rocks themselves. From their volcanic origins to their cultural significance and modern-day appeal, Thundereggs continue to be a symbol of Oregon’s natural heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, check out our friends at OnlyThundereggs to explore and own a piece of this geological legacy.

The post The Fascinating History of Oregon Thundereggs: A Geological Tale first appeared on History In Memes.

“‘Wade in the Water’ is a prime example of how songs with hidden directions aided those on the Underground Railroad. Its lyrics held coded messages that instructed escaping slaves to use water routes to evade capture. This clever use of music helped individuals find safety and freedom while confounding pursuers.”

 Legacy and Lessons The Underground Railroad serves as an enduring symbol of the fight for human rights and equality. Its legacy is a reminder that, even in the face of oppression, the human spirit can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

 Memes and More As always, we’ve sprinkled some historical humor into the mix with carefully curated memes that capture the spirit of perseverance and hope associated with the Underground Railroad.

Recommended Reading For those eager to delve deeper into this subject, we’ve compiled a list of recommended books and resources to expand your knowledge.

Book: “Bound for Canaan: The Underground Railroad and the War for the Soul of America” by Fergus M. Bordewich

This well-researched and engaging book provides a comprehensive overview of the Underground Railroad, its key figures, and its significance in the broader context of American history. Bordewich’s narrative style brings the stories of both escapees and conductors to life.

Book: “Gateway to Freedom: The Hidden History of the Underground Railroad” by Eric Foner

Historian Eric Foner explores the lesser-known aspects of the Underground Railroad in this thought-provoking book. Foner delves into the political and legal context of the time, shedding light on the network’s operation and its impact on the abolitionist movement.

Website: National Park Service – Underground Railroad

The National Park Service offers an informative website dedicated to the Underground Railroad. It provides a wealth of resources, including historical information, maps, and interactive features, allowing you to explore the history of the Underground Railroad in greater detail.

 Featured Quote “Freedom is the birthright of all humanity. The Underground Railroad stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the relentless pursuit of justice.” – Evan, Founder, Historyinmemes Newsletter

The Underground Railroad is a story of courage, compassion, and the unwavering belief in the possibility of a better world. Join us as we honor the memory of those who risked everything for freedom and explore this incredible journey to liberty.

Thank you for being a part of our historical voyage. We look forward to sharing more fascinating uncensored tales from history in the upcoming editions of the Historyinmemes Newsletter.

Stay curious and keep exploring history!

Warm regards,

Evan Founder, Historyinmemes Newsletter

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Step into the world of ancient Rome and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Arch of Constantine. This magnificent structure, located in the heart of Rome, stands as a testament to the grandeur and glory of the Roman Empire. It is a symbol of victory and power, marking a significant moment in history. Join us as we celebrate the majestic Arch of Constantine on this day in history!

Marvel at the Grandeur:

As you approach the Arch of Constantine, prepare to be awestruck by its sheer grandeur. Standing at an impressive height of 21 meters and spanning almost 26 meters, this arch commands attention and admiration. The arch is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, depicting scenes of battles, victories, and triumphs from the reign of Emperor Constantine. The attention to detail and craftsmanship is truly remarkable, showcasing the talent and skill of the artisans of that era.

Exploring the Icon of Eternal Glory!

Venture through the arch and step into a world of history and significance. The Arch of Constantine was built in 315 AD to commemorate Emperor Constantine’s victory in the Battle of Milvian Bridge. It serves as a representation of his triumph and the establishment of Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire. As you explore the arch, take a moment to appreciate the intricate reliefs that tell the story of this significant event. From scenes of the emperor addressing his troops to the presentation of spoils of war, each carving serves as a gateway to the past.

The Arch of Constantine not only serves as a historical symbol but also as a reminder of the everlasting nature of Rome. It stands as a testament to the resilience and endurance of the Roman Empire, which has left an indelible mark on the world. Today, it continues to be a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the globe who are captivated by its magnificence and the stories it holds.

On this day in history, let us not forget to celebrate the majestic Arch of Constantine, a remarkable architectural masterpiece that has withstood the test of time. Marvel at its grandeur and explore the stories it tells, as we pay tribute to the triumphs and glory of the Roman Empire. The Arch of Constantine serves as a reminder of our shared history and the enduring legacy that it represents. So, whether you are a history enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of ancient architecture, make sure to visit this iconic monument and immerse yourself in its eternal glory!

The post Celebrating the Majestic Arch of Constantine – This Day In History first appeared on History In Memes.

Dina Sanichar was found living in the depths of an Indian jungle in the mid 1800s. Found by hunters, the real shock was not that he had survived, but that he had been a pack mate of wolves. Because of this, Dina is often regarded as the “wolf boy.” He was even the inspiration behind the Jungle Book character Mowgli. 

Outside of the jungle, Dina spent his next decades trying to learn societal norms – despite his animalistic instincts. To this day, his story is used as a prime argument in nature versus nurture. Additionally, he continues to intrigue both the scientific and historic communities. 

Dina Sanichar: The Real-Life Mowgli

In 1867, a group of hunters were trekking within the Bulandshahr jungle in Uttar Pradesh, India. Mortified by the recent wolf attacks, the men were hyper vigilant on their journey. Their eyes were peeled for anything that could compromise their safety. Well into their session, the hunters gained sight of a pack of wolves entering a nearby cave. Struck with both fear and determination, the hunters devised a plan to kill the wolves and bring peace back to the locals. They decided to light fires, in an attempt to smoke the canines out of the cave, to make killing them much easier. 

So, this is exactly what they did. As the wolves stumbled out of the cave, they were killed one by one. After most of the pack had been eliminated, the hunters heard what sounded like faint coughs and rustling coming from the cave. They assumed this was the last of the animals and positioned their rifles at ready. A few moments passed before a dark figure emerged from the smoky cave entrance. The sight turned the hunters from fearful to shocked beyond belief.

Once the light had hit the figure, the hunters gazed at what appeared to be a young boy snarling and walking on all fours. They were stunned. In an attempt to help, they tried to capture the small boy, but it was no use. He was just as menacing as the wolves had been. It was not until he curled up next to one of his dead pack mates that they were able to subdue him and get him out of the jungle.

Life in Captivity

Once found, Dina was transported to the Sikandra Mission Orphanage in Agra, India. Everyone was intrigued by the feral boy and quickly began to study his behaviors. Any time the missionaries would attempt to clothe him, Dina would tear the clothes off. He had no use of language and only communicated with howls, whimpers and growls. 

Additionally, he continued to walk on all fours and only eat raw meat. They concluded that the boy had likely been abandoned in the jungle very early on in his life and was adopted by the wolves as one of their own. 

Because of the isolation, Dina also showed no signs of normal human emotion. He never laughed or smiled and did not care to form bonds with any of the missionaries. It was only when another feral child was brought into the orphanage that he showed any sign of companionship to humans. These two children were attached at the hip and would frolic around on all fours playing like two dogs in a park. They would also curl up next to each other to sleep at night.

Tragically, Dina’s companion died. Sanichar went through prolonged sadness – howling and appearing lethargic. It is reported that this was the first time that he really ever showed a human emotion.

A Wolf with a Cigarette

As time passed, Dina grew more docile. The missionaries continued to work on bridging his wild and domestic life, but he showed very minimal improvement. Dina was able to progress to learn to drink from a cup, tolerate some cooked meats, wear clothes and even walk on two legs. He could understand a few words and phrases, but he never learned to read or write.

However, complying to the most basic human nature, Sanichar had a vice. It is reported that he was exposed to smoking and became an avid user until the very end of his life. The “boy wolf” died of tuberculosis in 1895. I can only hope that he passed on to a place with all the raw meat that he could dream of.

After Thoughts on Dina Sanichar

Dina’s story raises a few questions to this day. It drives the importance of early childhood exposure to language and behavior.  Even though it was only a couple years, Dina never learned how to speak or master the basics of human behavior. It also poses the question: Should a child like this have been removed from his niche in the first place. Many argue that an orphanage was not the correct choice. Instead, a one-on-one specialist would have been the only chance at integrating Dina into society. 

All in all, stories like this have practical importance. Learning about history, like the life of Dina Sanichar, is a great leap in the direction of a better today.

The post Dina Sanichar: The Boy Raised by Wolves first appeared on History In Memes.

You’ve probably heard of John Smith before. He was a British colonizer turned Pocahontas’ love interest in the Disney animated movie. Or – in historical context – John Smith helped found Jamestown and Pocahontas saved him from execution. But, did you know there’s another John Smith in American history?

Yep, we’re talking about the OG: Chief John Smith, a Chippewa Indian who lived to be 137 years old! 

You would think living to be 137 is the most interesting thing about Chief John Smith. But you would be mistaken! Let’s look back at five unbelievable facts about Chief John Smith!

1. Chief John Smith Had A Lot of Different Nicknames

The Chief’s nicknames centered around his old age and his wrinkly skin. He was known as “White Wolf.” But, the Chippewa people also called him “Grandpa John” and the “Old Indian.” Other nicknames included “Gaa-binagwiiyaas” and “Ga-Be-Nah-Gewn-Wonce.” When translated, this means (respectively) “which the flesh peels off” and  “wrinkled meat”. Harsh!

2. Chief John Smith Had 8 Wives and 1 Adopted Son

Mean nicknames and leathery skin didn’t stop John Smith from being a true ladies man. During his 137 long years, he apparently had eight wives. He only ever had one child: An adopted son named Tom Smith. Tom was an instrumental part of John’s life until the end. He continuously vouched for his father’s age when others disbelieved.

3. John Survived Getting Hit By a Train

Tom Smith claimed that his father was very active in the years before his death. Tom described an incident in 1920 where John was hit by a train while crossing the railroad tracks. While this type of accident usually has a fatal ending for the victim, John survived. And it only took him 3 weeks to fully recover from his injuries! Right up until his death, John participated in everyday life. When visitors came to his home, he would tell stories and chat.

4. Smith’s Age Has Been Up For Debate

Chief John’s age has been highly controversial. Many people have gotten into serious debates about if this was factual, and if it’s even possible! The Federal Commissioner of Indian Enrollment argued that “it was disease and not age that made him look the way he did.” They also stated that, according to records, John was only 88 years old. Since Native Americans didn’t have records of birthdays, the government used key, historical events to identify their age. 

John repeatedly claimed that he was 7-10 years old when the “stars fell.” This was assumed to be the Leonid meteor shower on November 13, 1833. This would mean he was born in the mid-1820s. This makes him closer to 100 years old when he died, not 137.

5. Chief John Smith Died of Pneumonia 

In 1922, John Smith got sick with pneumonia. Due to his old age and weaker immune system, he died shortly after becoming sick on February 6, 1922. Smith was buried in a Catholic church cemetery in Cass Lake, Minnesota. He had resided in the woods by Cass Lake, Minnesota throughout his life. Even though his birth year was still unknown – and debated – his gravestone listed it as 1784.

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Inspirational heroes are everywhere we look – up on the big screen, living in the pages of our history textbook, and in bedtime stories told to us as kids. But there are thousands of everyday, extraordinary people who go above and beyond what is thought to be humanly possible. One person in particular – Terry Fox – was faced with such excruciatingly difficult circumstances, but still managed to rise above it all and inspire hope to others.

Keep reading to learn about the incredibly powerful story of this young runner who became known as the “Man Who Wouldn’t Back Down.”  

Who Is Terry Fox?

Terry Fox was born on July 28, 1958, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He was dedicated to excelling at school and spots. At only 18 years old, Terry was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma, a form of bone cancer, right above his right knee. In 1977, Terry was forced to have his right leg amputated six inches above his knee. He had to spend a lot of time in the cancer wing of a children’s hospital which inspired him to race to raise money for cancer research.

Why Is He Called “The Man Who Wouldn’t Back Down?” 

After receiving an artificial leg, Terry had re-learned how to run. Just two years after his diagnosis and amputation, Terry joined the 0.01% of people in the world who complete a marathon, which is 26.2 miles long. But the marathon distance was not enough for Terry. He decided to go further, running across Canada to raise money for cancer research and treatment! He called his run the “Marathon of Hope.” 

Now, Terry didn’t just go from racing 26.2 miles to racing across the country overnight. He trained by running over 3,100 miles in preparation. 

How Far Did Terry Fox Run?

The “Marathon of Hope” started on April 12, 1980, at St. John’s in Newfoundland. During that time, there was no social media and not a lot of coverage on Terry’s run and mission. But, the further he ran, the more fan engagement and excitement grew, which also meant more money was raised for a great cause. Terry ended up running between 26 to 30 miles per day, covering areas like Canada’s Atlantic provinces, Quebec, and Ontario. 

How Much Money Did Terry’s “Marathon of Hope” Raise?

Unfortunately, Terry began to experience tight pains in his chest and was forced to stop running on September 1, 1980. By that point, Terry had run for 143 days. When doctors examined Terry, it appeared the cancer had spread to his lungs. he was forced to stop running the “Marathon of Hope” indefinitely. At the time he had stopped, Terry had run exactly 3,339 miles and raised $1.7 million Canadian dollars.

Terry Fox tragically died a few months after racing on June 28, 1981. He was only 22 years old.

Terry Fox’s Legacy Lives On

Before he died, the Canadian government awarded him the honor of “Companion of the Order of Canada.” He was the youngest recipient of this honor and was also named “Canadian of the Year” twice. 

Also, in 1981, Terry’s “Marathon of Hope” ended up raising $24 million in donations, including his “once unimaginable goal of $1 from every Canadian.”

Now, there is a foundation in his name. The Terry Fox Foundation strives to create a world without cancer and host an annual “Terry Fox Runs” to raise money for cancer research. These runs are organized not just in Canada, but around the world. They have successfully raised over $800 million in honor of Terry Fox and his mission to beat cancer. 

Watch Terry’s incredibly powerful story here!

The post Terry Fox: The Man Who Wouldn’t Back Down first appeared on History In Memes.

Over 1 million people around the world finish running a marathon each year. That is close to 0.01% of the global population. So, that is 0.01% of people willingly sign themselves up to train and endure running a 26.2 mile long race. That’s some crazy sh*t right there! And about one-third of marathon runners are women. 34.82% to be exact. But, this wasn’t always the case. When Kathrine Switzer was running the Boston Marathon in 1967, women were not accepted in the world of running with open arms. 

Here’s the brave story of what happened when Kathrine ran the Boston Marathon in 1967.

Who Is Kathrine Switzer?

Kathrine Switzer was born on January 5, 1947, in Amberg, Germany. In 1949, her family moved to Virginia. She played a lot of sports and ran a mile every day. Finding empowerment and enjoyment from running, she began her track career at Lynchburg College. After transferring to Syracuse University, Kathrine began running longer distances to train with the men’s cross-country team. Kathrine’s aspirations didn’t stop there. She had dreams of running the Boston Marathon. At the time, no woman had officially completed the marathon race.

Leading the Way for Kathrine

The year prior, Bobbi Gibb was the first woman to run and finish the Boston Marathon. But, she wasn’t officially entered as a runner in the race due to being disqualified because she was a female. But that didn’t stop her from running the 26.2 miles. Bobbi hid in a bush near the marathon start line, wore a hoodie to cover her identity and raced alongside the other marathoners. She completed the race, but unfortunately, her time was not recorded down. 

This story didn’t deter Kathrine. She entered the race using her initials, “K.V. Switzer.” This kept her gender unknown on the entry form, and her bib was registered. After paying a $2 entry fee, K.V.Switzer was ready to race against over 600 runners!

K.V. Switzer Races The Boston Marathon

The Boston Marathon took place on April 19,1967, in less than ideal weather conditions. It was cold, wet, and snowy. But, that didn’t dampen Kathrine’s excitement. As fellow, male runners were getting hyped at the start line, they were the least bit fazed by Kathrine’s presence. Quite the opposite – they were beyond supportive! 

The race began and everything was going smootly. However, a press truck pulled up a few miles into the race. The photographers realized Kathrine was a female and began shouting at her:

“What are you doing in the race? What are you trying to prove?”

As odd as the interaction was, Kathrine continued on. Next, a bus full of the race officials pulled up. The Boston Marathon’s co-director, Jock Semple, hopped onto the course. And no, he wasn’t looking to run the remaining miles. He raced toward Kathrine to stop her from running! He was grabbing at her bib, yelling:

“Get the hell out of my race and give me those numbers!”

Kathrine tried to get away from Jock’s grip as her coach yelled at the co-director that she was a trained athlete. Luckily, her American football-player boyfriend, Tom Miller, was running alongside her at the time. Miller shoulder-checked Jock, which blocked him from removing Kathrine’s numbers from her sweatshirt. Talk about a good defense line!

As rattled and distressed as Kathrine was about the back-to-back attacks, it didn’t show in her performance. She continued on and finished the marathon. Her finishing time was around 4 hours and 20 minutes. Thus, she became the first woman in history to officially receive a bib and complete the Boston Marathon.

What Did Kathrine Switzer Have to Say After the Marathon?

When recalling those attempts to stop her from racing, Kathrine admitted:

“I was so afraid. I’m so full of confidence now but at that moment, I had just turned 20. As a girl, I wasn’t trying to prove anything. I had proved to Arnie [her coach] that I could do the distance and the reward was to go to Boston.” 

She also recalled:

“Back then, there was no New York, Chicago or London Marathon. And outside the Olympics, for runners, Boston was the ‘big baby’ and a special thing. I wanted to be a part.”

Despite what the press or race officials believed, Kathrine wasn’t trying to make her entry in the marathon as a political statement. 

So that begs the question: Why did she put everything on the line to race then? It was a combination of her love and ability to race long-distance, mixed with already running 31 miles during training. But, ultimately, it was the desire to prove to her coach that she, along with other female runners, could run a marathon.

When Did The Boston Marathon Accept Female Runners?

In 1972, the Boston Marathon officially began accepting female runners. Kathrine ran the Boston Marathon again. This time, she completed it in 2 hours, 51 minutes, and 37 seconds, A personal best!

Kathrine went on to become an icon in the world of women’s running. She wrote a memoir titled “Marathon Woman,” along with other books. She also contributed to the Runner’s World magazine, providing commentary for the Olympics, and received many honors for her contributions.

Her love for running didn’t simmer as she continued to race, winning the 1974 New York Marathon and running in the Boston Marathon, 50 years after her initial race, at the age of 70!

The post Kathrine Switzer: Boston Marathon Legend first appeared on History In Memes.

The year is 1942 and WWII has left many nations in times of destruction and survival. As warfare ensues on the fronts of many countries, there is a small wooden raft in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Its only passenger is 25-year-old Poon Lim, a Chinese sailor who had been aboard a British Merchant Navy Ship.

Lim, a Chinese native, boarded the ship (the Benlomond) on November 10. His hope was to aid the British who had requested help from other nations. But, the real journey ahead was nothing he could’ve expected.

Poon Lim Drifts Away

To his satisfaction, Lim seized the opportunity to work with the crew of the British ship as a steward. They left from Cape Town with hopes of reaching Suriname, a country on the northeastern Atlantic coast of South America. Thirteen days into their voyage, a German U-boat made contact with the Benlomond. The ship had no chance of survival, and sank 1,200 kilometers east of the mouth of the Amazon river. 

Lim had been thrown into the sea rather quickly and spent his next hours battling to stay afloat. After 2 hours, he finally saw his chance for rest. Lim spotted a raft and made his way over to it. Tired from his unexpected exertion and soaking wet, he finally pulled himself aboard the “Carley Float Life Raft.” He took in his surroundings and was pleased to find the raft was pretty well stocked. He thought to himself that this was more than enough to last him a short trip. He had no idea, he was on a path of solitude for 133 days and what lengths he would have to go to to survive.

Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures

Poon spent his first days the same way I do on vacation. He ate, drank, and tanned with no cares in the world. After all, someone had to be coming to save him. In order to not lose track of time, he tied a knot in a rope signifying the days. He also tied a rope to both his wrist and raft, so he could ensure he would not be bucked from it within the night.

Days passed before he ran out of water. Poon had to come up with a solution quickly. Using both his rain jacket and a canopy, he was able to collect rainwater. His mentality began to change and he was seriously worried help was not coming. Lim even started counting full moons instead of knots. 

The next challenge Poon would face was the hunger. Biscuits and sugar lumps aren’t exactly the diet my doctor tells me to follow, but they were able to sustain him for a while. When the supply went, he knew he needed to find a way to fish. With no weapons, he improvised. Lim was able to make a fishing line out of rope, nails from the raft, and a spring from a flashlight onboard to create hooks. His efforts were effective, and he was able to catch and then eat the raw fish. Not exactly my preference of sushi though.

Realizing his strength was vital for survival, Poon began to tread the ocean waves twice a day. He needed to maintain his muscle mass. Soon the small fish and rainwater were not enough. During one of his fishing attempts, Poon actually caught a shark. Pulling it onto the boat, it began to attack him. He took a water container and bashed it to death. Poon was able to harvest the meat using a knife he had made out of a lid from a tin of meat.  Other ways Poon survived included eating seagull jerky that he made by using sunlight to dry the meat and drinking the blood when water supply was scarce. 

Glimmers of Hope

Lim’s trek was not without hope and disappointment either. During his months at sea he saw both boats and planes with promises of rescue. But at the end of the day, still no one came. The boats completely disregarded him, possibly due to his Asian descent. Once, American planes had spotted Poon and actually dropped coordinates to deploy a rescue team. However, a storm pushed Lim and his meek raft away from the location and the planes were never able to get to him.

Poon Lim Lives Life on Land

On April 5, 1943, 133 days after the Belomond had sunk in the ocean, a frail Poon Lim was pulled aboard a Brazilian ship off the coast of the country. The crew, only speaking Portuguese, was not able to communicate. However, they did give Lim provisions they had. Poon had been the only survivor of the shipwreck, and news of his story quickly spread. He had lost 20 pounds and spent the next 2 weeks in the hospital. He was famous, but at what cost. 

On October 1943, King George VI awarded Poon with the British Empire Medal. Poon would spend his next years traveling and sharing his survival techniques. He would later emigrate to the United States and be awarded citizenship despite the quota on Chinese immigrants being at max. Poon remained a citizen until his death at 72 in 1991. 

To this day, Poon Lim holds the world record for time spent surviving on a life raft as a castaway adrift at sea. When he was told about the record, his only response was “I hope no one will ever have to break it.”

The post One Guinness Record You Won’t Want to Beat: The Survival of Poon Lim first appeared on History In Memes.

Imagine: You’re face-to-face with a leopard viciously trying to kill you. We know, this sounds like your worst dream – or more like a nightmare – you’re hoping you wake up from. But, this is something that actually happened to taxidermist Carl Akeley – and he lived to tell the tale.

Unless you’re a pro fighter like Mayweather, there’s no shot of fighting off such a primal animal who is dead-set on killing you. But for Akeley, his encounter with a leopard was not him staring death in the face, but rather, getting into a little scuffle with a bully. No big deal!

So, who is this man who’s able to fight a leopard? Here are five facts about certified badass Carl Akeley and his strange ride to becoming obsessed with taxidermy.

1. Carl Was a Major Advocate For Taxidermy 

Carl Akeley was many things – a naturalist, inventor, conservationist. But was more notably known as a taxidermist. So much so, he’s actually known as the father of modern taxidermy. After viewing an exhibit when he was younger, Carl became fascinated with taxidermy and believed it was an art form. Carl believed it’s important to show people what animals look like in the wild, in their natural habitat. He didn’t “hide his methods, he shared them with museums in hopes of having the animal skins placed on a perfectly molded recreation of the animal’s body, thus melding the artificial and the real to make something educational. His biggest goal was to build a large-scale diorama of Africa with the game that could be found on the plains.”

2. Carl Akeley First Attempted Taxidermy At 12 Years Old

Killing and stuffing animals may not be everybody’s dream job, but it sure was Carl’s! His first attempt at taxidermy was at 12 years old when his friend’s pet canary died. Carl – being the good friend he was – offered to stuff the bird. Stuffing the inside of the bird, as well as sewing glass beads into the eye sockets, Carl fixed and preserved the animal. His attempt fueled his passion for taxidermy further, which led to years of educating and immersing himself in the subject matter. When he turned 19 years old, he was offered an apprenticeship at the Ward’s Natural Science Establishment, which started his journey of museum work all around New York.

3. Near-Death Encounters With Wild Animals

Leopards weren’t the only animals out for Carl’s blood – he has a long list of crazy scary encounters with wild animals. While on Mount Kenya, a bull elephant charged and almost crushed him. Another time he was tag-teamed by three charging rhinos, who just missed hitting him. And thank god for that –  he didn’t have any weapons on him! After successfully shooting a silverback gorilla, the limp, lifeless body came tumbling towards Carl and nearly knocked him off a cliff. Carl’s even shot hyenas, warthogs, and almost got an ostrich.

4. Carl Killed A Leopard With His Bare Hands

The ostrich attempt is where the infamous story of the leopard begins. During his first trip to Africa, Carl was face-to-face with a leopard. While out hunting for ostrich, there was a sound in the tall grass nearby. Figuring it was a hyena or maybe a warthog, Carl did a very foolish thing and shot blindly at the hidden animal. Hearing the animal’s shriek, Carl knew it was no hyena and most certainly was not a warthog. The 80-pound leopard lunged for Carl, sinking her teeth into his forearm. He jammed his arm down her throat while clutching her throat with his other hand in an attempt to strangle and subdue her. 

While discussing the near death incident, Carl explained:

“I couldn’t do it except little by little. When I got enough grip on her throat to loosen her hold just a little she would catch my arm again an inch or two lower down. In this way, I drew the full length of the arm through her mouth inch by inch… [There was] only the sound of the crushing of tense muscles and the choking, snarling grunts of the beast… I felt her relax, a sort of letting go, although she was still struggling. At the same time I felt myself weakening similarly, and then it became a question as to which would give up first.”

– Carl Akeley

Carl was successful, making it out of the fight with his life and with the prize of the killed leopard. That crazy experience didn’t stop him from going back. Carl made a total of five trips to Africa to observe, study, and bring back animals.

5. Carl Akeley Died While In The Field

Spending years and multiple trips to Africa studying animals, Carl also began inventing tools that would help other taxidermists. He invented the “Akeley cement gun,” which mounted animals, as well as the “Akeley camera,” also known as the “Pancake camera”, which helped taxidermists film animals in the wild. It also was impressive mechanically for its ability to be  easily mounted, rotated and reloaded.

Carl Akeley died from a fever he contracted while in Congo in 1926. He died a few miles away from where he had previously observed gorillas during a trip to Congo in 1921.

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