Why is the elephant an American symbol?

The elephant is not a traditional American symbol.

The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States and is a prominent symbol of American freedom and strength.

The elephant is primarily associated with the Republican Party in the United States. This association stems from the 1874 political cartoon by Thomas Nast, which depicted the Republican Party as an elephant.

The Democratic Party is often associated with the donkey.

Therefore, while the elephant is a well-known symbol in American politics, it is not considered a general symbol of the United States.