Fences were used by Texans long before J.R. Ewing, the Dallas Cowboys or Steve Austin (not the 6 million dollar man- the other one) even considered forming a Republic.
Texas declared its independence from Mexico in 1836 and in the next several years (prior to joining the union) established its unique and fiercely independent character. Fencepost Knotholes and the American cowboy, the recognized Icon of the old west, were firmly established in this land of ours. It was in "The Friendship State" that the Texas Rangers became the first to use Sam Colt's device later used throughout the Old West: the six-shooter.
In 1845, the 28th star was added to the flag of the United States of America. The Texas longhorn provided beef for the growing nation - both free ranging cattle and those maintained within areas where, decades later, fencepost knotholes would be collected. In a place called Spindletop near the city of Beaumont, Black Gold gushed out of the ground and ushered in the era of petroleum products still a mainstay to this day.
It was here, in the rich farm and ranchlands in the largest state in the union prior to Alaska's admittance, that these original Fence Post Knotholes were first found. Over time, the painstaking process of collecting, cataloging and preserving these knotholes for future generations was accomplished through the efforts of native Texans, committed volunteers and, more recently, professional assistance from Independent Testing and Authorization.
Today, in the 21st century, the Natonal Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is headquartered in the Lone Star state, as well as innumerable high tech concerns and Millions of people who have never even seen a naturally occuring fence post - much less a knothole.
Coherent Marketing is proud to be able to make available these reminders of the bygone days of The Real West (read more on the Next page).
