This rare English map Texas and the United States is beautifully engraved and hand colored. Texas is shown in the Republic configuration with the western border depicted as the Rio Grande River to its source, a claim established by the treaty Santa Anna signed after his defeat at the battle of San Jacinto. Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos were all within the official borders of the Republic of Texas. The vast Independent Republic of Texas fascinated Europeans. Many of the earliest towns, settlements and forts in Texas are included as well as rivers and other topographic details. The eastern portion of the United States is also highly detailed, even including the earliest rail lines. The first railroad charter was issued by the state of New Jersey, and the first steam locomotive was constructed there.
John Tallis was known for his fine decorative borders and vignettes. Portraits of founding fathers George Washington and Benjamin Franklin are included as well as a United States flag shield and an Excelsior seal (the New York coat of arms). An ornate vignette of the early Capitol in Washington, DC is shown with the original green copper and wood domes – later replaced by a single fire proof cast iron dome. Washington’s monument in Baltimore is also depicted as well as a Buffalo Hunt on the Great Plains and Penn’s Treaty with the Indians. This highly desirable and captivating map is truly an artistic and historic portrait of America.
