Raven sculpture.

21-Foot-High Raven

Huntsville, Texas

The namesake of Sam Houston State University -- Sam Houston -- also had a Cherokee name, "Black Raven." That was all the inspiration sculptor Ed Wilson needed to created a 21-foot-high raven sculpture for the campus, which was unveiled in June 2018. Disregarding the obvious color choice, Wilson made his big bird out of shiny stainless steel.

The lifelike raven stands with wings outstretched and mouth open, seemingly ready to impale unwary students with its long, sharp beak. No one would want to be in the horror movie where this thing gets brought to life.

According to interviews published at the time of the raven's dedication, Wilson was proudest not of the impressive art, but of his ability to somehow balance over 7,000 pounds of metal on two tiny bird legs.

21-Foot-High Raven

Address:: Frankie Zou Kerr Dr, Huntsville, TX
Directions:: On the campus of Sam Houston State University, on the northwest corner of Ave. I/Frankie Zou Kerr Dr. and Bowers Blvd.
RA Rates:: Worth a Detour

Nearby Offbeat Places

Grave of Tripod the Dog, Huntsville, TX - < 1 mi.

Prison Bat Colony, Huntsville, TX - < 1 mi.

Sam Houston's Grave, Huntsville, TX - < 1 mi.

In the region:

Giant Walk-Thru Class Ring, College Station, TX - 47 mi.

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