Truman the Tiger

Truman the Tiger is the official mascot of the athletic teams of the University of Missouri Tigers. [ [http://www.missouri.edu/about/history/mascot-colors.php Mascot and Colors | University of Missouri ] ] Truman is named after U.S. President Harry S. Truman, who was from the U.S. state of Missouri. The mascot was named on September 12, 1986, though the use of a Bengal Tiger as Missouri's mascot is traced to the 1890s. Truman has been awarded "best mascot in the nation" several times most recently in 2004. [ [http://mutigers.cstv.com/trads/miss-mascot-trophy.html University of Missouri, Official Athletic Site of the Mizzou Tigers Traditions ] ]

History

In 1864, while in the midst of the American Civil War, the board of curators suspended operations of the University. It was during this time that the residents of Columbia formed a "home guard" unit that became notoriously known as the "Fighting Tigers of Columbia". This name was given because of the group's steadfast readiness to fight against Confederate bushwhackers under the command of "Bloody Bill" Anderson. that was hoping to plunder the city and university. Later, in 1890, an alumnus suggested the University's newly-formed football team be called the "Tigers" out of respect for those who fought to defend Columbia.

ee also

*History of the University of Missouri

References

External links

* [http://www.missouri.edu/about/history/mascot-colors.php Missouri's Mascot and Colors]