The Vast and Untamed Independent Republic of Texas and the United States with Inset of Mexico

The full extent of the Republic of Texas is shown with unique descriptions straight out of the Wild West – such as Extensive Prairies, Herds of Buffalo and Wild Horses, and the Great American Desert. Taos and Santa Fe are part of Texas as well as the Spanish Peaks (in present day Colorado). Native American tribes are prominently marked as well as natural features such as the Cross Timbers in North Texas (a large woodland barrier) and the Mustang Desert (where nearly a million wild horses ran free) in South Texas. The earliest Texas towns are listed as well as rivers. There is a wealth of information in the more heavily populated United States including towns, cities, population statistics, rivers, canals, early railroads, mountains and Native American Tribes. An inset illustrates the young Republic of Texas relative to a highly detailed Mexico. An explanation in the bottom right corner describing the cartographic symbols notes that the capitals of countries are marked – Austin, Washington (D.C.) and Mexico (City) are all represented.

Frustrated by the low quality, inaccurate early 19^th century maps, S. Augustus Mitchell, a school teacher, became one of the most prominent American map publishers of the time working with well-known engravers to create cartographic treasures such as this detailed map of an Independent Texas.