Oquawka, Illinois - Grave Of Elephant Killed By Lightning

Field Report by the Roadsideamerica.com Team

Address:
Oquawka, IL [Show Map]
Directions:
Signs pointing toward "Elephant Killed By Lightning" direct you to Norma Jean's grave from all points in Oquawka.
Hours:
Daylight hours. (Call to verify)
Phone:
309-867-2351
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Oquawka, Illinois - Grave Of Elephant Killed By Lightning
Norma Jean was the star attraction of the Clark and Walters Circus until she was killed by a bolt of lightning in a town square. Roadsideamerica.com Report...

Visitor Tips and News About Grave Of Elephant Killed By Lightning

Following are Grave Of Elephant Killed By Lightning reports and tips that were sent in by RoadsideAmerica.com visitors like you, as well as news stories about the attraction. Submit your own tip or update. Some tips may not be verified -- please contact attraction for current hours and admission prices.

Oquawka, Illinois - Spot Where Lightning Killed an Elephant

Please note that Norma Jean the elephant's gravesite in Oquawka, IL, has been newly landscaped, with the same Wade Meloan who helped place her gravestone still tending the shrubbery. The city has a festival in honor of Norma Jean in late August, with an elephant walk, white elephant sale and a bake sale featuring elephant ears. Norma Jean will not be forgotten. [Tim Criss, 12/03/1998]

Oquawka, Illinois - Spot Where Lightning Killed an Elephant

In Oquawka, Illinois there is a grave marker with a cement elephant, that marks the spot where in 1971 an circus elephant named Norma Jean Elephant was killed by lightning. I forget the exact directions but it is on the Mississippi river, not too far from Galesburg, Illinois.

It also has a glass case, with photos of the dead elephant and a hilarous story about the trainer"Possum Red" who was thrown into the air by the lightning blast that killed his prize elephant. Oquawka is a very small town. Head towards the river on the "main drag" and you'll see signs for the Grave of Norma Jean Elephant. It is also near the 'public pool, which is by the water tower. [John Coulter, 01/01/1997]

[RA: Norma Jean is part of the Elephant Burial Ground, in the Roadside America Pet Cemetery]

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