Barboursville, West Virginia - Pink Elephant

The Pink Elephant is the landmark in our area. When I was little I knew wherever I was at because of it. But to update on Pinky, it was vandalized last year. Some juveniles decided to paint it green in honor of Marshall. There was talk of leaving it green with the "M" on the side of it. But the community was outraged and wanted it painted back, so it was. I am glad that the Pink Elephant is still pink! [Danielle, 08/12/2006]

The elephant has been around ever since I can remember. I'm 21 and my parents know it was there before I was born. The legend about it being built for a young girl is most likely true as there is an impression of a pair of baby feet with the name "Nikki" scrawled in the cement base. It sits on the front lawn of local businesses. The businesses have changed but the elephant has never been removed. It was still there as of my visit home in August 2002. [Nicolette G., 09/25/2002]

[RA: The elephant was brought from Michigan to Barboursville around 1970 by the owner of a gift shop. The shop is now an insurance agency, but the elephant remains.]

I live in Huntington WV, and just outside of town, between here and Barboursville, there is a large pink elephant which stands on the westbound side of Route 60. It's been there for quite a while (as long as I can remember), and I've been told that a local girl's grandparents had it built for her when she was born (app. 20 yrs ago). It's probably about 15 feet tall, and it is a really pretty baby pink. Surprisingly, it has never been the subject of vandalism that I know of, but the urge to paint zebra stripes on it has been almost overwhelming at times.

Also, there is a Radio Museum in Huntington. I've never been it there, but I've been told that it is sufficiently cheesy, and the city seems proud enough of it -- they've got signs on interstate 64 luring would-be radio tourists to come and see. [Miranda, 02/23/1998]