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Boomer monument.

Monument to Boomer, 3-Legged Hero Dog

Field review by the editors.

Makanda, Illinois

Died 1859

Pet Cemetery.

A mile down the road from a magnificent Smiley Face water tower, travelers cross a narrow railroad bed on the way into Makanda. Next to the tracks is a patch of asphalt, a tired basketball hoop, and a stone monument to Boomer.

The plaque on the monument reads: "In memory of Boomer the hound dog. Tradition says he dashed his life out against the iron abutment of the railroad bridge 300 feet south of this point on September 2, 1859, while running along on three legs trying to put out the flame in a hotbox on the speeding train of his beloved fireman-master." Legend was that Boomer could outrun trains, and the railroad didn't like it.

Also see: Noble Dogs | Roadside Pet Cemetery

Monument to Boomer, 3-Legged Hero Dog

Address:
Makanda Rd, Makanda, IL
Directions:
In the heart of town, where Makanda Rd. crosses the railroad tracks.
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Rainmaker Art GrottoRainmaker Art Grotto, Makanda, IL - < 1 mi.
Smiley Face Water TowerSmiley Face Water Tower, Makanda, IL - 1 mi.
Buck Rogers-esque Water TowerBuck Rogers-esque Water Tower, Makanda, IL - 2 mi.
In the region:
River Merge Observation Deck, Cairo, IL - 44 mi.

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