Skip to Main Content

Oquawka, Illinois: Norma Jean, Elephant Killed By Lightning

Norma Jean was the star of the Clark and Walters Circus until a bolt of lightning killed her in Oquawka's town square. Signs pointing toward "Elephant Killed By Lightning" direct you to Norma Jean's grave from all points in Oquawka.

Visitor Tips and News About Norma Jean, Elephant Killed By Lightning

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Spot Where Lightning Killed an Elephant

Please note that Norma Jean the elephant's gravesite in Oquawka, IL, has been newly landscaped, with the same Wade Meloan who helped place her gravestone still tending the shrubbery. The city has a festival in honor of Norma Jean in late August, with an elephant walk, white elephant sale and a bake sale featuring elephant ears. Norma Jean will not be forgotten.

[Tim Criss, 12/03/1998]
Spot Where Lightning Killed an Elephant

In Oquawka, Illinois there is a grave marker with a cement elephant, that marks the spot where in 1971 an circus elephant named Norma Jean Elephant was killed by lightning. I forget the exact directions but it is on the Mississippi river, not too far from Galesburg, Illinois.

It also has a glass case, with photos of the dead elephant and a hilarous story about the trainer"Possum Red" who was thrown into the air by the lightning blast that killed his prize elephant. Oquawka is a very small town. Head towards the river on the "main drag" and you'll see signs for the Grave of Norma Jean Elephant. It is also near the 'public pool, which is by the water tower.

[John Coulter, 01/01/1997]

Norma Jean is part of the Elephant Burial Ground, in the Roadside America Pet Cemetery

Norma Jean, Elephant Killed By Lightning

Address:
5th St., Oquawka, IL
Directions:
Signs pointing toward "Elephant Killed By Lightning" direct you to Norma Jean's grave from all points in Oquawka. 164 goes into town - heading north, turn left on Schuyler (stop light), then right on 5th. It is on 5th between Mercer and Clay, on the right-hand side. If you're heading west on 164 then go straight on Schuyler and turn right on 5th.
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Snake Alley: A Very Crooked StreetSnake Alley: A Very Crooked Street, Burlington, IA - 12 mi.
Bagpiper StatueBagpiper Statue, Monmouth, IL - 16 mi.
World's Largest RhubarbWorld's Largest Rhubarb, Aledo, IL - 21 mi.
In the region:
Jake and Elwood Blues Brothers, Rock Island, IL - 44 mi.

Latest Tips Across Roadside America

Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.

Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!

Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.

My Sights

My Sights on Roadside America

Save Cool Vacation Destinations! ...Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Roadside America app: iPhone, iPad Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! ...More

Roadside Presidents app: iPhone, iPad Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. POTUS landmarks, oddities. ...More

Illinois Latest Tips and Stories

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Sight of the Week

Easter Island Moai in America (Mar 25-31, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

More Sightings