Texas A&M Libraries recently obtained a rare map of the state confirmed to have been made by Stephen F. Austin himself. It is a first edition map of Texas, printed in 1830 – only the second map ever printed of this state. Showing the various colonies which existed at that time, researchers have stated that it was used as a marketing tool, back in the day, to convince people to come west and settle in Texas. They confirmed this through the map’s depiction of the number of rivers flowing through the area, depicting fertile land.
According to Anton Duplessis, Clinical Assistant Professor at Texas A&M Libraries, “It is incredibly detailed, it is in fantastic shape. The colors that illustrate the features and boundaries are really great.” Texas A&M Preservation is one of the few schools in the U.S. with the facilities to properly care for the map, considering the recent renovation of their laboratories in September of last year.
The map is anticipated to go on exhibit to the public once preservation researchers have had the appropriate amount of time to ensure the document is properly prepared. “The item came to us from a vendor and normally what we like to do is assess the condition of the object before we put it on exhibit,” explained Julie Mosbo, Director of the Preservation Lab. “Our conservator is in the process of looking at the item, and doing some additional work to it so it is ready.” The map will be shown from April 20 to May 4 in the Cushing Memorial Library & Archives, each weekday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Staff will also be available at the Cushing location on April 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to answer any questions about the document.
