Origin of the Teddy Bear

One of the world's most well-loved bears is part of the history surrounding President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt.

President Theodore Roosevelt Visits Onward, Mississippi

Theodore Roosevelt was on a bear hunting trip near Onward, Mississippi on November 14, 1902. Mississippi's Governor Andrew H. Longino had invited him, but unlike other hunters in the group, Theodore had not located a single bear.

The famous bear hunt

Holt Collier, bear hunting guide

The Teddy Bear was invented in honor of the president remembered most for his contributions to conserving our nation's special places (five NPS sites memorialize Roosevelt and his contributions to conservation). On a bear hunting trip in Mississippi, Roosevelt—well-known for his interest in hunting and the outdoors—was not having any luck. Determined to find a suitable quarry for the President, his guide, Holt Collier, tracked, cornered, and tied a black bear to a tree for Roosevelt to shoot. The President considered this unsportsmanlike and refused to shoot the bear.

The "Drawing the Line in Mississippi" Cartoon

Cliff Barryman, Cartoonist

Word of this event spread quickly, inspiring Clifford Berryman to create a political cartoon in the Washington Post. When New York shop owners Morris and Rose Michtom saw the cartoon, they decided to create a stuffed toy bear to sell in their store and dedicate it to Roosevelt. To this day the Teddy Bear remains popular worldwide.

The Teddy Bear

Teddy bears are known around the world. Despite the different materials, sizes and shapes, we hope when you see one, you think about the story of the 1902 presidential bear hunt!