Here's what Texas included in America's Time Capsule
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The America250 time capsule, left, and the bell jar that will fit on top of it. Photo: Rich Press/NIST
What will future generations think of Texas when they open America's Time Capsule — a nationwide project to preserve pieces of U.S. history as part of the country's 250th anniversary celebration?
The big picture: The 900-pound steel capsule reportedly includes over 200 letters and artifacts from the federal government and all 56 states and territories, meant to create an authentic record of American life in 2026.
- It will be buried in Philadelphia with the idea that future Americans will open it in 2276 — 250 years from now.
What's inside: A whale bone from Maine, a George Washington prayer medal from Utah and a diamond from the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas, to name a few.
What Texas is burying
The Lone Star State decided to keep its offerings government focused:
- The Texas state seal reproduced on a chiseled glass paperweight.
- The state flag.
- A copy of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
Plus, Major League Baseball is including the official lineup card for the 2026 Opening Day matchup between the Texas Rangers and Philadelphia Phillies.
- A copy of the 2026 PGA Tour schedule will also be packed inside, which includes competitions in Houston, San Antonio, Austin, McKinney and Fort Worth.
What else Texas should have buried
We think the state could have fit in a few more mementos representing Texas' past and present.
- A Moon rock: Texas is home to NASA's nerve center for human spaceflight. Moon materials might be more accessible to Earthlings by 2276, but placing one in the time capsule would represent how precious and rare it is to us today.
- A cowboy hat: Who knows what fashion will look like in the 23rd century? The reemergence of Texas' trademark headwear could spark a trend 250 years from now.
- A QR code to subscribe to Axios Local: Having it our way, Axios will still be publishing daily newsletters for generations to come.
You tell us
What do you think Texas should have buried in America's Time Capsule?
- Email [email protected] to share your thoughts.
Axios reporters Kathryn Varn and Naomi Feinstein contributed to this story