Political History

Texas Declaration of Independence

Unanimous declaration of independence, by the delegates of the people of Texas, in general convention, at the town of Washington, on the second day of March, 1836

Reynold's Political Map of the United States

Designed to exhibit the comparative area of the free and slave states and the territory open to slavery or freedom by the repeal of the Missiouri Compromise.  

C. 1856

P.O.S. of A. Record

A Chromolithograph which includes a blank form to be filled in by a local chapter of the Patriotic Order Sons of America, with vignettes showing scenes from American history as the border, surrounding portraits of Washington and Columbus (the 400th anniversary of the Columbus voyage was approaching in 1892). Ironically, the P.O.S. of A. was a nativist, anti-immigrant group, allied with the “Know Nothings” at the time of its founding in Philadelphia in 1847. At the height of the order’s popularity at the turn of the last century, there were over 600 local camps across the country. Today, there are 14 camps, all in Pennsylvania. This particular print at one time was displayed at the Ellis County courthouse in Waxahachie, Texas.

1891

Abraham Lincoln, photographed as President-elect by Alexander Gardner.

February 24th, 1861.

Abraham Lincoln glass plate negative by Alexander Gardner.

From the only original unretouched negative, made in 1864, at the time he commissioned General Ulysses S. Grant Lieut. General of all the Armies of the Republic. It was suggested that this negative (with that of Ulysses S. Grant) be made in commemoration of that event. Printed by Moses Rice.

1864