Hannibal the West Point Mule

Highland Falls, New York

Unveiled on May 22, 2004, the statue of Hannibal was a 50th anniversary gift from the West Point class of 1954. Keynote speaker Steve Townes, a former Army mule rider, said the 15-foot-tall bronze statue was probably the biggest mule in the world, and that "an Army Mule can kick a Navy Goat's ass from here to Sunday, any day of the week!"

Hannibal, named for "one of the greatest military leaders of all time" according the statue's plaque, was the longest serving official Army mule (1947-1964) and "an exceptional West Point mascot." He was sculpted in Colorado by J. David Nunneley. Although no longer employed in war, the Army still loves its mules, which the statue's plaque praises as "stronger, more surefooted, more intelligent, and eat less than horses."

In honor of the statue's unveiling, the mayor of Highland Falls announced that the 3rd Saturday of May every year would be celebrated as Hannibal Day.