Old Rip became a symbol of Eastland County after the horned toad was reportedly placed in the cornerstone of the Eastland County Courthouse when it was built in 1897 and removed when that courthouse was torn down 31 years later for construction of the present courthouse. In February of 1928, a large crowd gathered on the courthouse square as the cornerstone was opened, and the horned toad was pulled out flat and gray before it suddenly began to move and took a deep breath. Named for Rip Van Winkle, Old Rip became widely famous, was exhibited across the United States, and even visited President Calvin Coolidge. The horned toad died of pneumonia in January of 1929, was embalmed, and now rests in a casket on the first floor of the Eastland County Courthouse, while Eastland continues to honor his memory with Old Rip Day each February and Old Rip Fest each September.