June 3, 2024 | Allison Robertson

Mary's Little Lamb Was Real, And This Is The True Story


We all know the famous nursery rhyme about Mary and her little lamb, but did you know that the story is based on a real-life event? Yes, Mary did have a little lamb, and this is the true story behind the classic rhyme.

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The real Mary and her lamb

In the old days, a little girl named Mary lived in a town called Sterling in Massachusetts. Mary owned a cute little lamb and they were always together. The lamb even went to school with Mary, even though the school didn't allow animals. Mary just couldn't bear to leave her lamb behind. 

One day, Mrs. Hale, Mary's teacher, found a cute little lamb in the schoolyard. Instead of getting mad, Mrs. Hale was happy to see the lamb and decided to let it stay. Seeing Mary and her lamb together became a nice part of the school's daily life. 

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From life to page

Mary's story with her lamb became famous, and a writer named John Roulstone heard about it. He was so impressed by their friendship that he wrote a poem called "Mary Had a Little Lamb." 

The poem was published in 1830 and later turned into a popular nursery rhyme that we all know and love. Over the generations, however, it people began to assume that the poem was fictional—but Mary and her lamb were indeed real.

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Based on a true story

Mary's little lamb became a symbol of friendship and loyalty. It's a reminder that special connections can come from unexpected places. The real story behind the nursery rhyme makes the tale even more special and warm. 

So next time you sing "Mary Had a Little Lamb," think about the girl and her dear friend. It's not just a silly rhyme, it's a heartwarming story.


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