Taxidermist Tag

This tag was left in a tin can on a volcanic cinder cone by Robert W. Limbert, Idaho taxidermist and part-time explorer, when he journeyed into the monument’s rugged southern sector in June 1921. Mr. Limbert described his adventures in the March 1924 issue of National Geographic, drawing national attention to the fascinating volcanic formations here. That same year President Calvin Coolidge established Craters of the Moon National Monument. A National Geographic photographer and park staff discovered the items when they bedded down at Mr. Limbert’s old campsite 38 years after he departed. The items were featured in a photograph in the October 1960 issue of National Geographic magazine with a caption reading “Finder Please Write.”

Hand written text reads: “Limbert & party camped here June 1921”. Text on back reads: “We camped here June 12 to 18 1921 Finder please write”.