War Eagle Battle Cry
The most popular legend about the battle cry dates back to the first time Auburn met Georgia on the football field in 1892 and centers on a spectator who was a Civil War veteran. In the stands with him that day was an eagle the old soldier had found on a battlefield during the war. He had kept it as a pet for almost 30 years.
According to witnesses, the eagle suddenly broke free and began majestically circling the playing field. As the eagle soared, Auburn began a steady march toward the Georgia end zone for a thrilling victory. Elated at their team's play and taking the bird's presence as an omen of success, Auburn students and fans began to yell “War Eagle” to spur on their team. At the game's end, the eagle took a sudden dive, crashed into the ground, and died.
But the War Eagle battle cry lived on to become a symbol of the proud Auburn spirit. Whenever Auburn people gather, the battle cry “Warrrrrrr Eagle!” is almost certain to be heard. It has been a part of Auburn's spirit for more than 100 years.
Since the first War Eagle, there have been seven others throughout Auburn's history that have served as a symbol of the Auburn spirit and kept alive the legendary battle cry.
Contact Us
Andrew Hopkins
Auburn University Raptor Center
334-844-6943
wareagle1@auburn.edu
Jayne Kucera Hart
Communications and Marketing Director
334-844-3698
jayne@auburn.edu
About the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine
Over the course of its 126-year history, the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine has produced more than 6,650 veterinarians and more than 500 specialists and researchers. Auburn is the seventh oldest college of veterinary medicine in North America and was the first in the southeastern United States.
