1883 "Map of Texas and Indian Territory" by Hiram H. Hardesty

Presented is a very detailed “Map of Texas and Indian Territory” by Hiram H. Hardesty. This map is published in atlas form, originally part of the 1883 edition of Hardesty’s “Historical and Geographical Encyclopaedia.”

The map is very comprehensive, showing topography, towns, settlements, and forts throughout Texas and the Indian Territory. An inset map of west Texas appears on the lower left corner. The map details the roads, completed railroads, and projected railroads that cross through the area. 

The population of Texas grew rapidly from 1,591,749 in 1880 to 2,235,527 by 1890. Looking at the county configurations is very telling of the burgending development in Texas at the time. Tom Green County is shown in a large, early configuration, not yet divided into Sterling, Irion, Coke, and Midland. 

Quite scarce, this map also highlights the disputed lands in southwest Indian Territory, in Greer County. Two boundaries are shown: “Boundary Claimed by the State of Texas,” and “Boundary Claimed by the United States.” The dispute was ultimately decided by the Supreme Court which accepted the United States boundary and Greer County became part of the Indian Territory.  

CONDITION:

A clean copy with the side margin trimmed at top left and a couple of tiny chips in the border. Issued folding with a tiny split at the center fold junction, as expected with age and past use. Printed color. 

Framed in a custom built archival frame with acid-free linen mats, UV glass, and a custom black and gold wooden frame. Framed Dimensions: 38 1/8” H x 32” W x 2” D.