Where Did "War Eagle" Come From?
The iconic University of Auburn’s battle cry, "War Eagle"! It’s a cry that echoes through the land, a symbol of fearlessness, resilience, and Auburn pride. But what exactly is the origin story behind this legendary phrase?
The Early Years
Established in 1859, Auburn University has a rich history that predates the Civil War. During this era, the university was originally known as the East Alabama Male College, and athletic competition was limited to basic intramural games such as football, baseball, and track and field. However, as the wars drew to a close in the late 1860s, the university struggled to regain its footing in the post-war era. Football, in particular, suffered a significant decline after the war, with intercollegiate competition on the decline.
Rise of Football
Fast forward to the late 19th century, when William Crosby, a prominent attorney and Auburn alumnus, took it upon himself to revive the university’s athletic program. Crosby began organizing football games, drawing teams from neighboring colleges in Georgia and Alabama. Meanwhile, the university’s military unit, the Auburn Zouaves, was comprised of students who had earned recognition for their bravery on the battlefield. This parallel between the Zouaves and the football team ultimately gave rise to the fusion of the two, inspiring the "War Eagle" battle cry.
Legends and Myths
Before we dive into the etymology of "War Eagle," let’s lay some groundwork on the often-contradictory story behind its origins. Contrary to popular belief, there is no single, definitive origin story supporting the claim that "War Eagle" was coined to refer to a specific World War I-era pilot whose eagle emblem was emblazoned on his WWI biplane. It’s true that a man named Roy Harper Martin did fly a training plane with an eagle tailfin during World War II, but this anecdotal claim has been largely myth-busted.
Two Leading Theories
Moving forward, there are, however, two leading theories on how "War Eagle" truly originated:
• 1912 Theory: According to Auburn historian James Long, the term "War Eagle" was first attributed to a 1912 game between Auburn and The University of Georgia. Then-head coach MikeDonahue allegedly raised the eagle flag, used as a symbol of power and strength, during one of the games. Seeing this, the Auburn sideline began chanting "War Eagle," which eventually spread amongst the fans.
• 1903 Theory: Other sources point to a significantly earlier origin, dating "War Eagle" back to 1903. Chalmers "Bosche" Crow, former football player and Auburn supporter, claimed that he personally coined the phrase during one of the university’s early football games. According to Crowd, the term was linked to the university’s tradition of flying an eagle effigy above the stadium field during games.
Why "War Eagle"? So, why did the rallying cry become "War Eagle"?
Some historians hint at the symbolic connection:
• Eagles: Strength and Courage
- Eagles, as a symbol of strength, courage, and wisdom, were often admired in ancient cultures. Native American tribes, in particular, revered the eagle due to its fierce hunting tactics and regal appearance, mirroring the qualities Auburn students sought to embody.
The two theories may not reveal the definitive origin of the term, but they confirm the emotional affinity between the Auburn public and the "War Eagle" battle cry. We now know that the exact origins are shrouded in mystery, but either way, the term effectively became a rallying cry among the Auburn faithful.
Let’s summarize the key aspects of the "War Eagle" origin story:
| * Theory | * Year Introduced | * Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1912 | 1912 (claimed) | MikeDonahue raises the eagle flag during a game |
| 1903 | 1903 | Chalmers "Bosche" Crow’s account of coining "War Eagle" |
Please note that both theories haven’t been conclusively scientifically verified, and the official origins of "War Eagle" remain unclear.
As we wrap up, we’ve explored the turbulent journey of the "War Eagle" battle cry:
From the early years’ decline of football to Crawford’s revival efforts, with parallel connections to the post-Civil War era and the Auburn Zouaves legacy
Through the various speculations and theories, uncovering the possible origins or symbolism behind the term ("Eagles: strength and courage")
And considering the emotional affinity between Auburians and the ultimate rally cry
While conclusive proof remains elusive, one thing is certain:"War Eagle" has deep roots in Auburn’s passionate fan culture, symbol of pride, and resilience–echoing through the pages of history, as cherished and revered as ever – War Eagle*?!
