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Harrisonburg, Virginia: Duke Dog: Big Bulldog with Crown

A maniacally grinning, big-toothed bulldog -- the James Madison U mascot -- wears a crown, stands seven feet tall at the shoulders, and weighs over a ton.

Address:
Champions Drive, Harrisonburg, VA
Directions:
On the campus of James Madison University. I-81 exit 245. Drive west on Hwy 253/Port Republic Rd, then immediately turn right at the stoplight onto Bluestone Drive. Drive a third of a mile. Turn left at the stop sign onto Champions Drive. You'll see the football stadium ahead; the dog stands in front of its entrance, on the right.
Admission:
Free
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
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Duke Dog.

Big Bulldog with a Crown

The Duke Dog is the official mascot for the James Madison University Dukes. "Dukes" was made the official nickname in 1947, in honor of the University's president from 1919 to 1949, Samuel Page Duke. However, the bulldog was not chosen to represent the Dukes until the 1972-1973 school year. Most easily photographed when college is not in session.

[Thom H, 07/31/2023]

Bulldog with crown.

Duke Dog: Big Bulldog with Crown

Neat statue. There is free 15 minute parking nearby.

[Cheryl, 07/30/2015]

Sculpted in bronze in 2005 by Lee Leuning, who had earlier sculpted a much smaller statue on campus, a life-size version its namesake, President James Madison, who stood only five-foot-four.


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