The rich agricultural opportunities and the ready availability of fine, fertile homesteads attracted settlers from the states “back East” as well as all over Europe. This unique promotional map records cities and towns across Texas in a European fashion, as if each is on a hill. The principal routes of the International & Great Northern Railroad are boldly marked, while other completed rail lines are also recorded. The fine map of Texas starts at Texarkana, connecting the Lone Star State to the vast established rail network of the Eastern States. Austin, San Antonio and Houston are promoted as the main attractions – while Galveston is the dominant commercial center, offering Steamship services to New York, Liverpool and Brownsville on the south Texas coast, with onward stage coach service to Mexico. “The International Overland Route” crosses the Pecos and continues through Fort Davis to Fort Quitman on the Rio Grande. Construction continued towards El Paso and westwards while another extension was underway to Laredo, with onward steam locomotive service to Mazatlán on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. The Arc of forts and military posts established by the United States to protect frontier settlers in the Texas Hill Country are clearly marked, from Fort Worth to Fort Bliss and other forts south of San Antonio.
Notes for Travelers to Texas featured on the companion panel include:
Travel to Central Texas in LUXURY!
“Leave Houston at 9:15 in the Morning and arrive in San Antonio at 9 that very evening!”
“The Day Coaches as a whole, compare favorably with those of other prominent lines while the
Magnificent Ladies Coaches popularly known as “The Looking-Glass Cars” on account of the number of mirrors with which the interior is decorated, are models of elegance and are provided with every requisite for comfort.”
Pullman Sleepers – A Special Feature
“Of these Pullman Cars is the combination Wash Room and Smoking Room for Gentlemen, which while built within the body of the car – and thus free from the objections urged against “Outside Smoking Rooms” is separated from the main aisle in such a manner that the occupants can enjoy the “fragrant weed” without fear of molestation, or any infringement upon the rights of their non-smoking fellow travelers. All of our coaches are furnished with Westinghouse Air Brakes.”
“Bear in Mind that the Lone Star Route is the short line to Austin and San Antonio”
“The climate of these places is peculiarly favorable and attractive to all who, while seeking to escape the rigors of a Northern winter, would yet avoid the low malarial lands of some portions of the South. Leading Physicians throughout the country are now sending consumptive patients to reside, or at least winter, at Austin or San Antonio”
** Please contact the gallery for information on the companion piece.
