Boots and Stirrups for Black Jack
Artifact IDMO 63.3465.2a-b
Object Type
Boot, Riding
Date
1950-1963
Medium
leather; metal, wool
DimensionsOverall H 22 1/2 in x Diam 12 1/2 in (57.2 cm x 31.8 cm)
Physical DescriptionBoots and stirrups worn with saddle trappings by the Riderless horse "Black Jack" during the funeral procession of President John F. Kennedy. The boots are made of black leather with brass fittings.
Historical NoteThese stirrups and empty boots were used on Black Jack, the riderless horse who preceded the caisson in President John F. Kennedy's funeral procession. The riderless or caparisoned horse symbolizes the last journey of the fallen warrior in high ranking military funerals. The boots are set into the stirrups backwards to symbolize the dead leader looking back on his troops for the last time. Abraham Lincoln was the first U.S. president whose funeral cortage included a riderless horse.
A Morgan/Quarter Horse mix, Black Jack became part of the Cassion Platoon of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment in 1953. He participated in an estimated 1000 full honor military funerals and those of three presidents over the course of his 20 year career. Besides President Kennedy's, Black Jack served as the caparisoned horse at the funerals of presidents Herbert Hoover (1964) and Lyndon B. Johnson (1973), as well as that of General Douglas MacArthur.
Black Jack died in 1976 at age 29. He was buried at Fort Myer, Virginia with full military honors. That year President Richard Nixon wrote in tribute: “Black Jack has been a poignant symbol of our nation’s grief on many occasions over the years. Citizens in mourning felt dignity and purpose conveyed, a simpler yet deeper tribute to the memory of those heroic ‘riders’ who have given so much for our nation. Our people are grateful to Black Jack for helping us bear the burden of sorrow during difficult times.”
Additional DetailsA Morgan/Quarter Horse mix, Black Jack became part of the Cassion Platoon of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment in 1953. He participated in an estimated 1000 full honor military funerals and those of three presidents over the course of his 20 year career. Besides President Kennedy's, Black Jack served as the caparisoned horse at the funerals of presidents Herbert Hoover (1964) and Lyndon B. Johnson (1973), as well as that of General Douglas MacArthur.
Black Jack died in 1976 at age 29. He was buried at Fort Myer, Virginia with full military honors. That year President Richard Nixon wrote in tribute: “Black Jack has been a poignant symbol of our nation’s grief on many occasions over the years. Citizens in mourning felt dignity and purpose conveyed, a simpler yet deeper tribute to the memory of those heroic ‘riders’ who have given so much for our nation. Our people are grateful to Black Jack for helping us bear the burden of sorrow during difficult times.”
Custodial History NoteItem was obtained by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in 1963 and donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesJohn F. Kennedy Memorial Collection (National Archives Identifier 1677008)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view
