The Texas A&M University Libraries is excited to announce the acquisition a rare first edition of Stephen F. Austin’s Map of Texas. The map, produced in 1830, is only one of eight known to still exist.
Austin’s map will be on temporary display on the first floor of Cushing Memorial Library & Archives from April 20th to May 4th from 8am – 5pm, Monday through Friday. Cushing Library will also be open from 1-5pm on Saturday, April 21st (San Jacinto Day and Aggie Muster) with library staff present to provide more detail about the map. Viewing of the map is free and open to the public.
Stephen F. Austin’s Map of Texas has been described as “the first meaningful map of Texas” and represents one of the most important maps of the American West. The map was published in eight editions through 1845 and is the first map of Texas printed in the Unites States.
“Austin’s Map will take its place as one of the most distinguished and valued items in a collection that is already renowned and distinguished in the quality and depth of its resources reflecting the rich and remarkable history of the State of Texas,” remarked David Carlson, dean of University Libraries.
The map was produced as part of a land grant agreement with the Mexican government but it was also intended to be a showcase for new settlers to Texas. Therefore it was made to be as open and as inviting as possible. It took Austin over five years to compile and draw the map using surveys conducted around the state. The map was the first of Texas to accurately depict the rivers in Texas and also illustrate many of the early Texas settlements including Brazoria, Gonzales, Harrisburg, Matagorda, Victoria and Waco Village.
The Libraries’ acquisition of the Map of Texas is being made possible through the generosity of several donors. The map will be the centerpiece as part of a future exhibition.
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Media contact: Patrick Zinn, Director of Marketing, Texas A&M University Libraries, pzinn@library.tamu.edu or 979.845.4265.
