Where was Smokey the bear found at in New Mexico?
Capitan
Capitan, New Mexico is the birthplace and burial site of Smokey Bear. On May 4, 1950, a carelessly discarded cigarette started the Los Tablos blaze in the Lincoln National Forest.
Is Smokey Bear Park open?
Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. We are closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission is $2 for adults & $1 for kids 7-12, 6 & under are free. Only service dogs are allowed at the Park.
Where is the Smokey the bear statue?
The Smokey Bear Statue stands in Smokey Bear Park appropriately in the same area where the Koochiching County Historical Museum and Bronko Nagurski Museum are located. Smokey the Berar, is a popular emblem of fire prevention and sometimes rated as America’s #1 Forest Conservationist.
Why is Smokey the bear important to New Mexico?
Smokey Bear is an important piece of New Mexican history. In 1950, a young bear cub was rescued from a fire in the Capitan Mountains. This cub received national attention and became a wildfire prevention symbol. This memorial honors approximately 30 firefighters who have lost their lives fighting fires.
Where was Smokey buried?
Smokey received numerous gifts of honey and so many letters he had to have his own zip code. He remained at the zoo until his death in 1976, when he was returned to his home to be buried at the Smokey Bear Historical Park in Capitan, New Mexico, where he continues to be a wildfire prevention legend.
Was the original Smokey the bear cremated?
Suggestions have included the erection of a simple stone marker at the spot where Smokey was found halfburned to death in a tree; the cremation of Smokey and the scattering of his ashes through the Lincoln National Forest, and the return of his body for burial services to the town of Capitan.
What can you do in El Capitan?
Essential Capitan
- Smokey Bear Historical Park. 181.
- Smokey Bear Museum and Gift Shop. 100.
- Fort Stanton Museum. History Museums, Military Museums.
- Fort Stanton Historical Site. Historic Sites.
- Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts. 131.
- Flying J Ranch. Theatre & Performances.
- Bonito Valley Brewing. Breweries.
- Linda Caperton Gallery.
When did Smokey the Bear start?
Smokey Bear was born on Aug. 9, 1944, when the U.S. Forest Service and the Ad Council agreed that a fictional bear would be the symbol for their joint effort to promote forest fire prevention.
Who created Smokey Bear?
Albert Staehle
Smokey Bear/Creators
The Forest Service and War Advertising Council introduced a bear as the fire prevention campaign symbol. Illustrator Albert Staehle drew the first Smokey Bear. Two years later, Forest Service artist Rudy Wendelin.
Who saved Smokey the bear?
In May 1950, G.W. Chapman was 20 years old, and little did he know, his actions to save a small bear cub would change the course of U.S. Forest Service history.
Where is Smokey Bear buried?
He remained at the zoo until his death in 1976, when he was returned to his home to be buried at the Smokey Bear Historical Park in Capitan, New Mexico, where he continues to be a wildfire prevention legend.
Is Smokey the Bear still used?
Smokey Bear is the longest-running public service advertising campaign in U.S. history. It was launched on August 9, 1944, and is now under the control of the USDA Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters and the Ad Council.
Where to see Smokey Bear in New Mexico?
Easy to find, right on the main highway through Capitan, NM, Smokey Bear Historical Park makes an interesting stop. Besides the exhibits and video on Smokey, information is provided on forests, bears, fire prevention and fire safety. Through the use of photos, old videos and advertising you learn of Smokey’s far reaching impact.
What’s new at Smokey Bear Historical Park?
In 1979, Smokey Bear Historical Park was established to honor Capitan’s Smokey Bear. At the Visitor’s Center, guests find fascinating exhibits about forest health and wildfires, the science of fire ecology, and a historical look at forest fire prevention. The theater features a short film about how forest health and fire impacts our lives today.
How did Smokey Bear get his name?
In 1944 during WW II the USFS decided to use a bear to spread the fire prevention message. They named him after a New York Assistant Fire Chief, “Smokey” Joe Martin. May 9, 1950, in the aftermath of a devastating fire in the Capitan Mountains, a badly burned cub was found. He became the living symbol of fire prevention, Smokey Bear.
Where is the Smokey Bear Museum located?
The Museum is located at 102 Smokey Bear Blvd., on the north side of State Highway 380, just west of the intersection with State Highway 48, and just east of the Smokey Bear Historical Park. Closed – Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years day.