Where Did The Mascot Of Maryland Terrapins Originate?

The terrapin, a turtle native to the Chesapeake Bay, was chosen as Maryland’s mascot by football coach Dr. H. Curley Byrd, who was from Crisfield, Maryland, known for its terrapins. The origins of the terrapin as a school symbol date back to 1932 when a group of students adopted a live diamondback terrapin as their team symbol. The name Testudo, meaning “turtle” in Latin, is also the name of an ancient Roman military tactic in which soldiers protected their infantry square from projectiles.

The idea for a diamondback terrapin mascot came from then-football coach and university vice president Harry Clifton “Curley” Byrd, who was from Crisfield, Maryland, famous for its terrapins. Since 1921, the student newspaper has been called The Diamondback, and students thought Byrd’s suggestion was logical. Testudo, a diamondback terrapin, represents the University of Maryland, College Park both at sporting events and as a more general symbol.

The Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) was made the State reptile and official mascot of the University of Maryland College Park in 1994. The terrapin, a turtle native to the Chesapeake Bay, seemed a great choice and a logical one coming from Byrd. The history of the diamondback terrapin turtle in Maryland can be traced at least as far back as the Native Americans with two important contemporary names.

In the past, Maryland teams were known for their terrapins, but the mascot was introduced in 1932 when football coach Dr. H. Curley Byrd recommended the terrapin as the mascot. The terrapin represents the university in the form of a bronze statue and a costumed character.