The biggest hog ever recorded is an impressive 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs an astonishing 1,500 pounds. This hog, named Big Bill, was a member of the Poland China breed and was owned by George Hammond of Keithsburg, Illinois. Big Bill was born in 1910 and became famous after appearing in Ripley’s Believe it or Not in 1934.
Big Bill’s immense size was the result of a combination of factors. Firstly, the Poland China breed is known for its large stature, with some males weighing up to 1,000 pounds. Additionally, due to the abundance of food available in the Hammond’s farm, Big Bill was able to grow to his full size.
Despite his size, Big Bill was a gentle giant who was described as a “pet” and a “great friend” by his owner. He was particularly fond of apples and it is said that the Hammond family would cut them into halves and then into quarters so that he could eat them with ease.
Big Bill was a celebrity in the 1930s and he was known to make appearances at state fairs and carnivals. He even had his own postcard and became quite a popular tourist attraction in the area.
Big Bill passed away in 1933 at the age of 23, but his legacy still lives on today. He has become a symbol of the power and strength of the Poland China breed, and his immense size has inspired awe in generations of people.
