Mirabeau B. Lamar's Shotgun
Luxurious weapon brought to Texas by the man who would become the Republic's second president
The early leaders of the Republic of Texas were driven by both triumph and tragedy. This shotgun belongs to Mirabeau B. Lamar, the second president of the Republic of Texas.
The son of a wealthy Georgia planter, Lamar at age 30 was a man who seemed to have everything: a happy marriage, a new baby, and a new business. In 1828, Lamar established the Columbus (Georgia) Enquirer, which is still publishing as the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer. The same year, he paid an extravagant $650 plus $36 ocean express charges for this shotgun from Moore & Harris in London. On the personalized stock, his name is misspelled as "Maribeau Lamar."
But tragedy robbed Lamar of his happiness. His wife Tabitha died of tuberculosis at the age of 21, and his sister, brother, and father died soon afterwards. At the invitation of his friend James Fannin, Lamar visited Texas where he was soon swept into the events leading to the Texas Revolution. He gained fame during the Battle of San Jacinto and was elected the Republic of Texas’ first vice-president in 1836. He replaced Sam Houston as president in 1838.
Lender
The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin
About
Weapons
1828
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