Map of Texas with Parts of the Adjoining States.

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IdentifierMaps_236aDate1830DescriptionThis is the first issue of one of the most important maps in Texas history. It is the first large-scale map of Texas, a scale made possible by excluding all of the present-day state west of the 102nd meridian. Austin's use of this format established a precedent followed by many cartographers before 1860.

In 1822 Austin promised the Mexican officials that he would compile topographical material and prepare a detailed and accurate map of Texas. He began work the following year and for six years employed numerous surveyors to plot the state's features. Austin did much of the surveying along the coast, but for the western interior he relied heavily upon the reports of fur traders and trappers.

Several manuscript maps appeared. This printed version, taken from Tanner's copy of one of the manuscripts, shows Austin's colony, Austin's 1827 grant on the Colorado, and De Witt's colony. The new settlements of San Felipe de Austin, Brazoria, Matagorda, Harrisburg, Victoria, Gonzales, and Waco appear for the first time on a printed map.

Austin's more primitive manuscript copy in the Barker Texas History Center includes two additional towns - Monterwine, on the Colorado, and Galveston. The appearance of Galveston may have been a projection of Austin's well-known desire to see a port established at that site, for the island had no known permanent settlement until 1838. Although Galveston is absent on this first issue of the printed map, the site's strategic importance was not ignored: "Harbour" appears between Pelican and Galveston islands, the only Texas harbor identified. Tanner added Galveston to the 1836 issue.

Streeter (Bibliography, no. 115) identifies six issues in all, dated 1830-39, and locates nine copies of this rare first issue, including this Rosenberg Library copy. Language NoteEnglishSubjectTexas--MapsCopyright StatementNo Copyright – Non-Commercial Use OnlySize60x74 centimeters.EngraverJohn WarrWilliam W WarrCompilerStephen F Austin

CollectionRosenberg Library map collection

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Map of Texas with Parts of the Adjoining States.

Galveston and Texas History Center

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Map of Texas with Parts of the Adjoining States.