Monday, March 10th, 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of a Marshall legend.

Jim the Wonder Dog was born on March 10th, 1925 in Louisiana, and weeks later would come to Marshall with his new owner, hotel owner Sam Van Arsdale. Lori Godsey, chairwoman of the Friends of Jim the Wonder Dog organization, says Van Arsdale quickly realized the Llewellyn English Setter he had acquired did far more than just hunt for quail.

Jim became known for his incredible intelligence, able to follow commands given to him in six languages and via Morse Code. Among his feats was successfully predicting the winning horse at the Kentucky Derby for seven years. Godsey says a number of events are planned this week to mark Jim’s centennial.

The Jim the Wonder Dog museum is located on the northwest corner of the Marshall Square. Friends of Jim the Wonder Dog are also hosting a celebration dinner Thursday night, and are planning another public event for May.