Austin Treasures
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Black Bean Lottery Fiddle
This fiddle could have been played at the infamous Black Bean Lottery. In 1843, after Texas soldiers failed an escape attempt from a Mexican prison, Antonio López de Santa Anna ordered that one in ten of the soldiers be executed. A clay pot was filled with 159 white beans and 17 black. Those who drew a black bean faced the firing squad at sunset. This fiddle may have been played by a Mexican officer while the Texas men drew their fate out of that clay pot.
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Santa Ana Map
This map belonged to Antonio López de Santa Anna, the political leader of Mexico during the Mexican-American War. The self-proclaimed "Napolean of the West" served as president of Mexico 11 times, and played a key role in the Texas revolution by defeating the Texan rebels at the Battle of the Alamo in February 1836. Santa Anna was finally defeated by Texan forces led by Sam Houston at San Jacinto in April 1836 and exiled back to Mexico City after formally recognizing the independence of the Republic of Texas.
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Sam Houston Signature
This land deed appears to be signed by Sam Houston, the American politician and soldier who played a key role in the history and evolution of the state of Texas. Besides serving as the President of the Republic of Texas—twice—he was also the only person in United States history to serve as governor of two different states.
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Keeping Time
A pocket watch in the 1800s was a highly valued possession, especially for those working in the booming railroad industry. The Transcontinental Railroad was a huge step in the expansion of the United States, and watches like this one were vital to keep the trains running safely and on time.
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Trophy Saddle
This fine prize saddle could have belonged to rodeo champion Jim Shoulders. Born in 1928, Shoulders was an American rodeo cowboy who was named All Around Champion Cowboy in 1956. Overall, he won 16 world championships despite some serious injuries. One story goes that when he broke a hand during competition, he switched his grip to his other hand—and won the title.
This was already well designed and well built in the UK several decades ago. I found the video demonstrating the UK inventor's bicycle several years ago. Still trying to relocate that video. If anyone knows about it, please tell me where to find it. The bicycle was boosted by a ratcheted spring mechanism that collected otherwise wasted energy in a ratcheted spring hub. Thank you very much.