{"id":696,"date":"2021-12-14T15:24:53","date_gmt":"2021-12-14T15:24:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.tarleton.edu\/traditions\/?page_id=696"},"modified":"2026-03-12T20:00:42","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T20:00:42","slug":"home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/traditions\/","title":{"rendered":"Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Traditions and History<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

For over 125 years, Tarleton State University has upheld the vision of its founder, John Tarleton, by providing accessible education to students from all walks of life. The rich history and tradition date back to the university\u2019s opening in 1899 as Tarleton State has focused on creating memories for students that will transcend time and establish permanent bonds and relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From Oscar P to Purple Poo and every Purple Thursday in between, Tarleton State University\u2019s tradition and history is one of a kind. The Purple Book<\/a> offers insight on each of Tarleton State\u2019s most cherished traditions, including the bonfire and the infamous Purple Poo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A historical timeline<\/a> tells the full story of how a gift from a local rancher evolved into the university of today, Tarleton State\u2019s rise to become a founding member of The Texas A&M University System in 1917, and so much more.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Important Figures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\"Portrait<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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John Tarleton<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

From New England through Tennessee to Stephenville, Texas, John Tarleton\u2019s journey and vision paved the way for our university\u2019s legacy and impact. His investment into 10,000 acres of land led to his $85,000 gift and the creation of Tarleton State University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more about Tarleton State\u2019s Founder<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Oscar P<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Legend of Oscar P is one of Tarleton State\u2019s most unique. The story suggests that Oscar P is the pet duck of John Tarleton, who traveled everywhere with him including the trek from Tennessee to Texas. Today, Oscar P is viewed as the larger-than-life unofficial mascot at campus events. The Purple Poo rally students to raise the spirit of Oscar P.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more about Oscar P<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Purple Poo (TTP & TTS)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Purple Poo is the oldest spirit organization in the state of Texas, evolving from the early 1920s Ten Tarleton Peppers (TTP) and Ten Tarleton Sisters (TTS) spirit organizations. The Poo, whose members are secret, attend many student activities on campus, masked and dressed in costumes, with the mission to promote the spirit of Tarleton State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more about the Purple Poo<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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‘States Up’ Spirit Gesture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tarleton State Texans show their spirit by raising their left hand folded in the shape of Texas. The shape is created by extending the thumb out, the pointer and middle fingers upward while folding the ring and pinky fingers inward to point at where Stephenville would be located on a map of Texas. This gesture is referred to as the \u201cStates Up\u201d and came into common practice around 2010.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n

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The Texan Rider<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although Tarleton State\u2019s athletic history dates to 1904, the first nickname came in 1917 when the college joined The Texas A&M University System and were known as the \u201cJunior Aggies.\u201d In 1925, legendary coach and athletic director W.J. Wisdom offered the attractive figure of $5 to any student who could come up with a sports moniker that he liked. The story has it that one day while walking across campus, Wisdom thought of \u201cPlowboys\u201d because of the school\u2019s rich agricultural history. He liked the name so much he kept the money, and the teams took on the name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1961, university officials sponsored a contest for a new mascot to reflect Tarleton State\u2019s new status as a four-year college. Top three vote-getters were \u201cTexans,\u201d \u201cRockets\u201d and \u201cPackrats,\u201d with \u201cTexans\u201d winning out. When women\u2019s athletics moved to intercollegiate competition in 1968, the ladies took on the moniker of \u201cTexAnns\u201d which lasted until 2019 when the Student Government Association approved to move all teams under the Texan name. The Texan Rider emerged in the 1970s as the university mascot.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Annual Events<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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L.V. Risinger Bonfire<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On November 29, 1939, North Texas Agriculture College rivals flew over the Tarleton campus and attempted to destroy the annual bonfire while also raiding by land. Tarleton State students threw objects, including a famous piece of 2×4 lumber, at the plane and forced a crash landing. The NTAC students were captured, given a block-T haircut and sent on their way. Today, Tarleton State\u2019s annual homecoming bonfire bears the name of the hero of that defense, L.V. Risinger, who died in 1994. The homecoming bonfire is annually the biggest bonfire in the state of Texas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read More about the L.V. Risinger Bonfire<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Campus<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Landmarks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n