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Replica jackrabbit.

World's Largest Jackrabbit - Former

Field review by the editors.

Odessa, Texas

Built in 1962, the eight-foot-tall rabbit was the idea of Odessa Chamber of Commerce president John Ben Shepperd, hence the rabbit's official name of "Jack Ben Rabbit." It was Shepperd's way to pay tribute to the city's unique jackrabbit roping competition, held every year during the Odessa Rodeo. The competition ended in 1978, when The Humane Society shut it down for good.

The jackrabbit was displayed for years at the old Prairie Pete Park, then moved into storage in a maintenance yard -- until the public raised a fuss and forced it to be returned to a new location, in front of the downtown Ector County Independent School District Administration Building. Someone tried to steal the jackrabbit in 1997, so it's been bolted to the sidewalk ever since.

Old sign for the Jackrabbit.

Several official Texas historical markers flank the rabbit, including one with a recipe for Jackrabbit and Dumplings.

World's Largest Jackrabbit - Former

Address:
N Sam Houston Ave., Odessa, TX
Directions:
North of I-20 in downtown Odessa at W 8th St. and N Sam Houston Ave.
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Rusty Longhorn, Early Oil MuralRusty Longhorn, Early Oil Mural, Odessa, TX - < 1 mi.
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre ReplicaShakespeare's Globe Theatre Replica, Odessa, TX - 1 mi.
Large BullLarge Bull, Odessa, TX - 2 mi.
In the region:
Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, Midland, TX - 19 mi.

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