Well, we didn’t expect anything like this on
our journey today. A dedication to Betty, The Learned Elephant, who was
shot and killed in this village in 1816.
One of the first elephants to come to North
America, Betty became a huge attraction in the area but often drew people away
from going to church. One day, Betty and her keeper made the mistake of
walking near the farm of a religious fanatic on a Sunday. The
farmer shot her. Betty, not the keeper.
On the 150th anniversary of Betty's death,
Chepachet's historian decided it was time for the village to honor
the Learned Elephant. After convincing the Rhode Island General Assembly
to proclaim May 25, 1976 "Elephant Day," the citizens of Chepachet
placed a commemorative plaque on this bridge to mark the spot where Betty
had fallen.
Commemorative ceremonies of one sort or
another are held each year since. |
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