Today’s post comes from National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications staff writer Rob Crotty.
Fact: this photo is actually from a post-apocalyptic future, and that’s actually the Washington Monument, fenced to protect the only known remains of a land once known as “the District” … strange that the future looks like rural Texas in 1894 …
Wait, apologies, we were looking at the wrong book.
So, just what is locked in that paddock? It’s monument marker number 258, and it helped clear up a border dispute between Mexico and the United States. You can read more about it (and many, many other markers) in “Monuments, Manifest Destiny, and Mexico,” an article from our 2005 Summer Prologue issue.
While we may forever wonder why a monument required a such an elaborate fence, we no longer have to worry about who won our hearts and minds in last week’s caption contest. Jim Worsham was wooed by Rebecca’s spot-on use of Legos. We don’t have any Lego creations at our Archive eStore, Rebecca, but we do have plenty of other kid-friendly concoctions you can purchase at 30% off with your winnings!
Good luck to all with this week’s caption contest! Assistant Archivist for Records Services—Washington, DC, Michael Kurtz is the guest with the gavel this week, so he’ll be picking the picture caption that commands the most laughs. Also, be sure to check out Michael in NARAtion’s latest series “What are you working on?”
Pick Up Sticks, Air Force Style
Jimmy always knew those little guys would find their way back home.
The history of the phrase “raining bullets” can be traced to the US military.
War rationing affects even 52 card pick up.
“At last, I’m off duty for the day! Not to worry; they’re definitely all duds! I checked every single one of them myse…”
Take two! (or three… or four) They’re small!
In that instant, Private Mead realized that the hail of bullets had been thrown, making him feel foolish for his abrupt surrender.
“Take that, you Nazis!”