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Huntsville, Texas: Grave of Tripod the Dog

Tripod was a charming college mutt who had only three legs -- or maybe he only acted as if he did.

Sam Houston State University

Address:
University Ave., Huntsville, TX
Directions:
Sam Houston State University. Tripod's tombstone used to stand in front of "Old Main," which burned down in 1982. Now it stands in front of the preserved foundation of Old Main. It overlooks where University Ave. runs into 17th St., on the sloping lawn north of the Old Main Memorial and Austin College Building.
Admission:
Free
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
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Visitor Tips and News About Grave of Tripod the Dog

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Grave of Tripod the Dog

Tripod did in fact have four legs. His name stemmed from his left-front paw being injured and unable to be mended.

[C. Cunningham, 01/28/2014]

Tripod died over 50 years ago, and even back then people questioned how many legs he really had. He walked on only three at a time, which led to his name.

Grave of Tripod the Dog.

Grave of Tripod the Dog

I attended Sam Houston State University in Huntsville (yes the home of that humongous statue). I chose that school there because my parents met there. They were "Bearkats" in the 50's. The Bearkat is our mascot, but as my parents remember it, the Bearkat wasn't the mascot of choice. It was a wonderful little dog that had free run of the entire classrooms. He hobbled from one building to the next nosing his way into everything. He was quite agile with his three legs. But just like Shorty the Squirrel, 3-legged dogs don't last forever. You can visit Tripod's grave in the middle of the campus underneath the beautiful trees of the Austin Building. Please pay your respects if you visit Huntsville.

[Jeanah Bauer, 08/30/1999]

Tripod died in 1962. There's still some question as to if he did have only three legs, or if he just acted as if he did. March 2019: Photo added.


Nearby Offbeat Places

21-Foot-High Raven21-Foot-High Raven, Huntsville, TX - < 1 mi.
Prison Bat ColonyPrison Bat Colony, Huntsville, TX - < 1 mi.
Sam Houston's GraveSam Houston's Grave, Huntsville, TX - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Bretagne: Last 9/11 WTC Search Dog, Cypress, TX - 51 mi.

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