ALDERSON W.Va. (WVDN) – Nestled amid the rolling hills of West Virginia, the quaint town of Alderson holds a peculiar tale in its past. Located amidst the hills, the town is home to the true account of a lion cub named French who grew into a local celebrity, roaming the streets with surprising ease and earning the hearts of the townspeople.
The story begins in the year 1890 when French’s Great Railroad Show, rolled into town. A lioness gave birth to five cubs, but with limited resources, most of the cubs did not survive. Fortunately, fate intervened in the form of Susan Bebout, the wife of a local blacksmith. She cared for the remaining cub, who thrived. He was named French, after the circus owner, and became a cherished member of the Bebout household.
French wasn’t your average house pet. As he grew, his natural instincts kicked in. He found ways to escape the backyard, leading him on leisurely strolls through Alderson. Unlike the fearsome image most people have of lions, French was docile and friendly. He’d sidle up to townspeople, seeking attention and earning pats on the head. The residents, initially surprised, grew accustomed to their unusual neighbor. French became a source of amusement and pride for the town, even earning the nickname “Leo.”
However, this unconventional living arrangement couldn’t continue indefinitely. One day, a traveling salesperson who encountered French while strolling down the street was understandably startled. The incident caused concern about public safety, prompting the town council of Alderson to pass an ordinance – no lions were allowed to roam free. Sadly, despite the community’s affection for French, the Bebouts could no longer provide him with the care he needed, especially while confined. In 1891, they made the difficult decision to sell him to the National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C., where he lived out his days.
Though French eventually left Alderson, his legacy persists. A metal sculpture, crafted from scrap metal by artist Michael Loop, stands near the Greenbrier River as a tribute to the town’s unique resident. Visitors can take photographs, learn about French’s story, and marvel at the unusual chapter in Alderson’s history.
The story of the Alderson Lion reminds us of the extraordinary moments that can unfold in small towns. It’s a tale of compassion, adaptation, and the surprising bond humans can form with creatures, even those with sharp fangs and claws. So, next time you find yourself in Alderson, remember French, the gentle giant who roamed the streets and forever captured the hearts of the West Virginia community.
