Rare Map of Texas Issued Shortly After Annexation

"Map of the State of Texas with Portions of the Adjoining Regions", Thomas, Cowperthwait & Co.

This rare map was originally issued on a sheet with a second map entitled "Map of that Part of the West Coast of North America comprising Oregon and Upper California." The two maps were included at the rear of a 62 page traveler's guide entitled "Geographical Description of the State of Texas; also, of that Part of the West Coast of North America." According to the Rumsey Map Collection, it is a "cousin" to Mitchell's "Accompaniment to Mitchell's New Map of Texas, Oregon and California with The Regions Adjoining" also issued in 1846.

Cartographically, the map was issued shortly after the state's annexation to the United States. It portrays early county configurations such as Robertson and Milam, extending from central Texas northwestward to the Red River; San Patricio, extending from the Nueces to the Rio Grande; and Bexar, comprising all lands to the southwest and west along the Rio Grande and northwards into the present panhandle. Above Texas, Indian Territory is presented with an inverted "L" shape.

While the present offering is one of the two maps, Rumsey notes that the full guide "is much rarer that Mitchell's guide and sold for two and one half times more at the Streeter sale." Other than the Rumsey listing, the only other price record for this guide is the Streeter sale (1969, $500).

References: Rumsey #4482; Streeter #3325; Howes #M688.

Condition: B

Issued folding and now flattened and backed on paper with "Permanized Parchment" watermark. Narrow left side margin as it was issued on a sheet with another map and then separated.