Onward, Mississippi: Birthplace of the Teddy Bear
A marker pays tribute to a 1902 hunt on which President Teddy Roosevelt refused to kill a bear cub chained to a tree; the story spawned the cuddly children's "Teddy Bear." A neighboring store sells souvenirs.
Onward Store
- Address:
- US Hwy 61, Onward, MS
- Directions:
- Onward Store. On the west side of US Hwy 61 just south of Hwy 1.
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Visitor Tips and News About Birthplace of the Teddy Bear
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The store is open again with a small, pleasant restaurant in the back.
[Catharine Kristian, 08/30/2022]Onward Store
The Onward Store is closed and for sale.
[Judy, 10/25/2019]The Onward Store sold "Onward Teddys," which paid tribute to a local bear that Teddy Roosevelt refused to shoot in 1902. A nearby historical marker still calls attention to the historic bear-sparing spot.
So poignant to be at the place where the Teddy Bear was founded, and plenty of photos to be had at the store and of the signs. What was disappointing was inside the Onward Store: not enough Teddy Bears. A marketing opportunity lost.
[Carolyn Earle, 02/28/2015]Birthplace of the Teddy Bear
This place has been recently remodeled and is a fabulous restaurant. Low end lunches and high end dinners.
[Nolen, 06/13/2013]
A historical marker stands near the the spot where, on a bear hunt in 1902, Teddy Roosevelt refused to shoot a captured bear, leading to the creation of the "Teddy Bear." Even more interesting, the Onward Store does not stock a single example of Teddy Bear souvenirs, clearly missing a huge marketing opportunity!
[Dale Divers, 09/12/2010]
Roadside Presidents App for iPhone. Find this attraction and more: museums, birthplaces, graves of the Chief Execs, first ladies, pets, assassins and wannabes. Prez bios and oddball trivia. Available on the App Store.
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The store sold souvenir Teddy Bears before it closed in 2019. Hope the new owners have stocked more Bears.