Most People Don't Know That Smokey Bear's Gravesite Is Found Right Here In New Mexico

Most of us first heard about Smokey Bear during our childhoods. Famous for the tagline, “Only you can prevent forest fires,” Smokey was a part of our lives and is one of the most recognizable fictional characters in this country. However, I was surprised to find out as an adult that the character version was based on a real bear. The real Smokey Bear’s gravesite is located within a New Mexico park.

Located in Capitan, NM. is the Smokey Bear Historical Park, a two-acre park established in 1976. It was named after an orphaned black bear cub that was found with burns on his paws.

The Capitan Gap wildfire was caused by humans and raged through 17,000 acres in 1950. Firefighters in the area spotted the bear cub who had survived the blaze by climbing up a tree.

After the bear cub was rescued, he was sent to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. where he lived out his life for the next 26 years. He then became a symbol of preventing forest fires in America.

After Smokey Bear passed away, he was transported back to Capitan, New Mexico where he had been found so long ago.

He was buried in a small park named after him.

Smokey Bear Historical Park is where you can find a his gravesite and pay your respects.

Also within the park is a visitor's center with exhibits about preventing wildfires, forests, and, of course, the life of Smokey Bear.

Have you ever visited Smokey Bear’s gravesite at Smokey Bear Historical Park in Capitan, NM? Did you know he was buried in the state? Let us know. To learn more about the iconic bear’s gravesite, head to the Find a Grave website. For more information on Smokey Bear Historical Park, head to the New Mexico EMNRD website.

Want to show your love of Smokey Bear? Wear Your Roots offers an entire apparel line featuring the country’s most famous bear.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Smokey Bear Historical Park, 118 Smokey Bear Blvd, Capitan, NM 88316, USA

Most People Don't Know That Smokey Bear's Gravesite Is Found Right Here In New Mexico

Melissa Mahoney

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