Big Metal Old Rip

Eastland, Texas

A plaque next to the sculpture of Old Rip tells the story of "the horned toad who refused to die." He was placed in the cornerstone of the Eastland County Courthouse when it was built in 1897, and when it was torn down in February 1928, the cornerstone was opened in front of a large crowd, and "the horned toad was pulled out, flat and gray, and suddenly it began to move, then took a deep breath."

The toad was named for Rip Van Winkle, became a nationwide celebrity, met President Coolidge, then died of pneumonia in January 1929. "His fame continues as Eastland celebrates Old Rip Day each February and Old Rip Fest each September."

The large, metal version of "the most famous horned toad ever" was unveiled a couple of blocks west of the courthouse in 2000. It was created by Texas artist Joe Barrington, who also sculpted the World's Largest Buffalo Skull in Abilene and the King of Catfish in Lampasas. It is very spiky, and those who contemplate a "Riding Old Rip" photo op probably think better of it.