Ever Wondered What’s The Story Behind Odessa’s Jackrabbit Statue

I moved to Odessa in 1998, a little after turning 8 years old. When we settled in, my Aunt took us around town to see the sights. Granted Odessa doesn't have many attractions, but one of our first stops was the huge jackrabbit statue near downtown.

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When out-of-town family and friends came to visit, we would take them to see the famous huge jackrabbit statue. Although it is one of my first memories of my new home, I realized I didn't know much about it.

HISTORY OF ODESSA'S JACKRABBIT STATUE

Believe it or not, the statue was made in 1962! The 8-foot-tall jackrabbit was an idea of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce president, John Ben Shepperd, so it was only right to name the famous rabbit "Jack Ben Rabbit". The statue was in tribute to the unique jackrabbit roping competition in Odessa's rodeo, which ended in 1978.

"Jack Ben Rabbit" originally was at the old Praire Park but eventually got moved into storage. Odessans were not happy about the statue being in storage, so it was moved to a new location.

The 8-foot tall jackrabbit is now at 802 N Sam Houston Ave near downtown Odessa. The statue sits in front of the Ector County Independent School District Administration Building.

In 1997 someone tried to steal the famous statue so it is now bolted down. You can also find several official Texas historical markers beside the giant jackrabbit.

Even though "Jack Ben Rabbit" is advertised as the world's largest jackrabbit, there is no actual proof that it is.