Old Bet facts for kids
Old Bet was a famous female African elephant who lived a long time ago. She was very special because she was only the second elephant ever brought to America. Even more exciting, she was the first elephant in America to be known by a specific name!
Old Bet arrived in Boston on June 24, 1804, when she was just about four years old. Her first owner was Edward Savage, who showed her to people in 1805. Later, a man named Hachaliah Bailey bought her for a lot of money – about $10,000! Bailey sold her at one point but then bought her back because she was so popular.
The Life of Old Bet
Early Days and Exhibitions
For many years, Hachaliah Bailey would rent Old Bet out to other people who wanted to show her off. She traveled around, letting people see an amazing animal they had never seen before.
A Circus Star
On June 25, 1812, Old Bet made history! She appeared with the Cayetano and Company circus in New York City. This made her the very first elephant to ever be shown in a circus in America. She was a huge attraction and helped her owners earn a lot of money.
A Sad End
Sadly, Old Bet's life came to an end on June 26, 1816. She was shot and killed in Shapleigh, Maine, by a farmer named Daniel Davis. He claimed that the elephant was taking money away from the local people.
Her Legacy
Even after her death, Old Bet was remembered. Hachaliah Bailey built a special monument to her at his Elephant Hotel in Somers, New York. This was a way to honor her memory. In 1817, Old Bet's skeleton was put on display in New York City. Later, the famous showman P. T. Barnum bought her skeleton for his American Museum, where many people could continue to learn about this incredible elephant.
