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Our Mascot: Truman the Tiger
Some people might guess that MU's tiger symbol is based on the University's black and gold school colors. Although the stripes on turn of the century athletic socks and sweaters may have reminded people of this animal, the tiger mascot actually dates from the Civil War era.
When MU organized its first football team during the 1890s, it needed a name. Team organizers recalled an incident from the Civil War. Legend has it that guerilla soldiers under the command of the notorious Bill Anderson were set to raid Columbia, Missouri. Residents heard about the plan and put together an armed guard, built a blockhouse and fortified the old courthouse. In an attempt to intimidate the army, they called themselves the Missouri Tigers. Word spread of their preparedness and Anderson's guerillas never invaded Columbia. The football team adopted the name in honor of the Civil War defenders. As an added plus, tigers are also known to be symbols of good luck!
Throughout this century, MU Tiger fans thought that the name needed more life. After years of struggling to get the University to adopt the Bengal tiger as the mascot, Truman the Tiger was finally born on Sept. 12, 1986. He was named after President Harry S. Truman, a Missouri native.