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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
The Ammunition Dump in LBJ's Backyard!
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

The Ammunition Dump in LBJ's Backyard!

Artifact ID1973.1.673
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 20 1/2 in x W 14 in (52.1 cm x 35.6 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. A helmeted elephant looks at bombs ("Nation's Coming Medicare Problems"), a barrel with wick ("Cost of Living"), and a long box ("Poverty War Bungles") with "$" falling out of it. LBJ looks on frantically from White House Balcony. Caption: “The Ammunition Dump in LBJ's Backyard!”. Artist signature lower right: "Sandeson”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten across the bottom: “To - President Johnson with the respect of Bill Sandeson”.
Historical NoteThe Johnson Administration submitted 87 bills to Congress, and Johnson signed 84, or 96%, arguably the most successful legislative agenda in US congressional history, leading to a lot of government spending. In this cartoon, a Republican elephant uses this high spending as ammunition against the Johnson administration.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from the general public to President Johnson during his term in office. It was received by President Johnson, until the President donated it to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in 1973.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
National Archives Catalog CollectionLyndon B. Johnson Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 192413)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 189698395)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum. The LBJ Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Person Referenced Lyndon Baines Johnson (United States, 1908 - 1973)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication
Fort Wayne
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