Photograph and information provided by the Odessa Chamber of Commerce.

John Ben Rabbit, the World's Largest Jackrabbit
Odessa, Texas

Inspiration for the hare was provided in the early 1960's by Tom Taylor, former director of the Texas Highway Department Travel and Information Division. During a speech in Odessa, Taylor suggested that the town erect a monument to the jackrabbit since there were so many in the area. The Odessa Chamber of Commerce, under the leadership of John Ben Shepperd, took to the idea and in 1962 erected the statue on Lincoln Street in downtown Odessa across from the Chamber offices.

Photograph and information provided by the Odessa Chamber of Commerce