The leopard-spotted saddle pad was given to Washington by British Gen. Edward Braddock out of gratitude for "literally saving the day" during the Braddock Campaign of the French and Indian War, Denger said. Such is the fame of the saddle pad that it is featured in some of the most famous paintings of the general.
"[Washington] represented every ideal you would want to instill in a person," Denger said. "George Washington was it."
Other artifacts include fire buckets from the Hartford, the flagship of Admiral David G. Farragut, who was the first admiral in the U.S. Navy; a block from the side of the USS Constitution, nicknamed "Old Ironsides"; and a portrait of Gen. John C. Fremont overlooking the first floor of the library.
"[The portrait] is one of our pride and joys," Denger said. "He was the most important player in early California history."
In addition to the most famous figures, the museum also teems with artifacts from the more unsung heroes of American history, including Lafayette.
"There are more counties, cities and streets named after Lafayette than any other man in history," Denger said. Washington was so impressed with the Frenchman that he basically adopted him as a son, he said.
In addition to serving under Washington's command, Lafayette contributed more than half a million dollars to the American Revolutionary effort and petitioned the French government tirelessly to aid the Americans.
"Why we don't hear this, why he's not famous, I don't understand," Denger said. "It's mind-boggling."
To Denger, this type of omission from the public conscience is a shame.
