Eastland, Texas: Old Rip, Miracle Horned Toad

RoadsideAmerica.com Team Field Report

Eastland County Courthouse

Address:: 108 W. Main St., Eastland, TX
Directions:: Displayed in a ground floor window of the Eastland County Courthouse. On the south side of TX-6/W. Main St. between S. Seaman and S. Lamar Sts. Walk up the steps of the courthouse directly behind the flagpole; Old Rip is displayed in the center window.
RA Rates:: Major Fun

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Old Rip the Horned Toad.

Is it possible to cheat death, at least for a little while? Scientists say "No!" but an embalmed lizard in Texas, visible through a window, croaks "Yes!"

Roadsideamerica.com Report... [02/07/2021]

Visitor Tips and News About Old Rip, Miracle Horned Toad

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Old Rip sealed in the courthouse cornerstone.

July 31, 1897: Old Rip Sealed In

Old Rip, named for Rip Van Winkle, is the most famous Horned Toad in history. He was sealed inside the Eastland, Texas, courthouse cornerstone on July 31, 1897, and when the cornerstone was opened 30 years later, Old Rip was found -- still alive! The toad became an instant celebrity, traveled to Washington to meet the President in the White House, and later inspired the Looney Tunes cartoon character Michigan J. Frog. Fame proved too much for Old Rip, who died less than a year after his revival. His body was embalmed, placed in a tiny open casket, and is still displayed in the Eastland courthouse, proof that death can be cheated if you stay very still in the dark, and you're a horned toad.

[RoadsideAmerica.com Team, 07/31/2022]

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