ABSTRACT
In 1933, more than $1 million was allocated from Civil Works Administration funds to put unemployed artists to work under the Public Works of Art Project. Murals were painted on post offices where the public would see them each day as they conducted their postal business. The epic of exploration and settlement of Texas and the Southwest presented several kinds of colorful characters for portrayal as heroes. The mystique of the traditional hero surrounded Sam Bass, who gained a reputation as bank robber who freely gave out $20 gold pieces to pay for whatever he took from honest people. The epic of exploration and settlement of Texas and the Southwest presented several kinds of colorful characters for portrayal as heroes. The parade of heroes selected in painted scenes of Texas post office murals represents some of the historical highlights that helped make Texas regionally unique, but, at the same time, reflects generally accepted democratic values that New Deal leaders sought.
