Smokey Bear Museum, Historical Park and Grave in Capitan, New Mexico

NEW MEXICO LEGENDS

Smokey Bear Historical Park

Though the Smokey Bear campaign began in 1944, the bear itself was nothing more than an image born of artists’ imaginations when he first appeared on postcards, posters, and advertisements, cautioning "Only you can prevent forest fires."

However, in 1950 a real baby bear became the live “Smokey” when he was rescued from certain death by firefighters in a devastating blaze in New Mexico's Lincoln National Forest.

As these brave men fought the blazing inferno driven by strong winds, a report came in of a lonely bear cub, who had been seen wandering near the fire line. However, the firefighters were busy trying to contain the fire and sure that its mother would come for him, they left the baby alone.

Smokey Bear 1944 Poster

1944 Smokey Bear Poster, this and below photo courtesy Smokeybear.com

Prevent Forest Fires The fire burned over 17,000 acres. Amidst the devastation, firefighters found a tiny bear cub clinging to the top of a tree. He was to become the heart and soul of a campaign that had begun almost a decade earlier: Smokey Bear, one of the most recognized symbols in America.

When the man-made blaze was finally under control, it had burned over 18,000 acres, but amazingly the little cub had survived by climbing up into a tree. The firefighters spied the little cub clinging to charred tree. With badly damaged paws and hind legs, he was rescued by the firefighters before the men began to search for its mother in the blackened and bare remains of the forest. However, finding no sign of the mother, they had to assume she had lost her life in the fire. The bear was christened “Hotfoot” and taken to Santa Fe for treatment.

In no time, the news about the little bear spread throughout New Mexico and was soon picked up by the nationwide press. As the country followed the cub’s progress, he was rechristened Smokey Bear, and came to personify the advertising character created during World War II.

Smokey was then moved to Washington, DC, where he took up residence at the National Zoo, becoming so popular that he soon had his own zip code.

Two years after his rescue, in 1952, Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins wrote the “Smokey the Bear” song that would cause confusion about Smokey’s actual name. In order to maintain the correct rhythm, the writers added a "the" between "Smokey" and "Bear." Before long, the bear became known as "Smokey The Bear;" however, his name is and always has been “Smokey Bear.”

After receiving millions of visitors Smokey died in 1976, and though another rescued cub took his place, he never found the fame of the original Smokey. After his death, the bear was returned to its home in the Lincoln National Forest, where he was buried without fanfare.

The real Smokey Bear in Washington D.C. National Zoo

The real Smokey when he was housed at the

Washington D.C. National Zoo. Photo courtesy

Donald Greyfield, Find a Grave.com

In the meantime, however, the Smokey’s Museum opened in Capitan, New Mexico in 1961. The museum, housed in a rustic one room building is filled with Smokey memorabilia, photos, and posters that chronicle the history Smokey Bear and his message to prevent forest fires. Also available in the museum gift shop are all kinds of Smokey souvenirs.

The Museum is located a 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.

Contact Information:

Smokey Bear Museum and Gift Shop

P.O. Box 246

102 Smokey Bear Blvd

Capitan, New Mexico 88316

505-354-2247

Nearby, the Smokey Bear Historical Park was established in 1979, to commemorate the dead cub. Now commemorated with a headstone, the park is home to Smokey’s grave, as well as exhibits about forest health, forest fires, wildland issues, an outdoor amphitheater, playground, picnic area, and the town's original train depot.

The Smokey Bear campaign is the longest running public service campaign in U.S. history, with its forest fire prevention message remaining unchanged for more than 50 years. Created in 1944, it remained unchanged until April, 2001, when the Ad Council updated his message to address the increasing number of wildfires in the nation's wildlands.

A view of the entrance to the Smokey Bear Museum

and Gift Shop, February, 2008

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Contact Information:

Smokey Bear Historical Park

118 Smokey Bear Blvd
Capitan, New Mexico 88316

505-354-2748

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