1908 "Map of Texas" by The Kenyon Company

Presented is an antique map of the state of Texas, printed as a pocket map in 1908 by The Kenyon Company. The state map is brightly colored by county, with principal cities and towns listed. The congressional districts are numbered and boldly outlined in red. Rivers, roads, and railroads all appear prominently on this fantastic map. Although uncolored, the bordering states of New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana, as well as Mexico, are likewise marked with significant cities, towns, roads, and rivers. Incredibly informative, the reverse side of the map contains population statistics for all principal cities and towns shown on the map.

The map was issued as an advertisement for the Royal Land Company, Incorporated, to entice the purchase of land in Dalhart, Texas. To that end, a stylized pointing hand is overprinted in red ink at the top right of the map, encouraging viewers to “Get A Home In Texas.” The hand is pointing to a red circle over Dalhart, Texas, identifying the newly founded city on the map. At the bottom right, the map further invites viewers to: "Go with us to Dalhart, Texas. We run excursions on the First and Third Tuesday of each month. Inquire of your station agent at once for rates. Join our Train at Kansas City. FREE BERTHS." 

The original settlement for Dalhart was platted in early 1901 by W. J. Blair and Charles W. Thornton where the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway crossed the Fort Worth and Denver City line. The site of the crossing was known for a time as Twist Junction. Later the settlement was named Denrock, a combination of the names of the two railroads. After objection from the postal service, the town adopted the name of Dalhart, a portmanteau of the two county names- Dallham and Hartley- it sat on the border of. On June 11, 1901, Ora D. Atkinson and other promoters incorporated the Dalhart Town Company, and the first sale of lots was held on July 20. Dalhart was incorporated as a town in May of 1902 and as a city in April of 1904. 

Dalhart quickly grew as a shipping center for the famous XIT Ranch and other area ranches. The activities of prominent land companies, like Royal Land Company and the W. P. Soash Land Company, also contributed significantly to Dalhart's progress. In the early 20th century, these town promoters and land agents used railroad excursion trains to introduce potential settlers and farmers from the Midwest to available property in northwest Texas. They would advertise bi-weekly train excursions from popular train junctions in order to give potential buyers an opportunity and means to visit available land. They would sometimes offer reduced ticket fares or even free berths (as seen on this map) to further entice interested parties. The land companies would use printed posters, informational and salesy pamphlets, and colorful maps to promote their land sales. 

CONDITION:

Very good condition. Printed colored map, on thin issued paper. Fold lines present, as expected. Paper is healthy, save very minor wrinkling along paper’s margins and light toning overall. 

The map’s title is printed in black at bottom right: “MAP OF TEXAS, With Population and Location of Principal Towns and Cities according to latest reliable statistics/ The Red lines show Congressional Districts./ FOR STATISTICS SEE BACK OF MAP./ Copyrighted 1908. The Kenyon Company, Map Makers, Des Moines, Iowa.” The map is overprinted in red at top left: “Royal Land Company (Incorporated) 201-2-3-4 Commercial Bldg, Des Moines, Iowa.” At top right, "Get a Home in Texas,” is overprinted inside a red pointing hand. The city of Dalhart, Texas is encircled in red. Overprinted in red ink at bottom left: "Go with us to Dalhart, Texas, We run excursions on the First and Third Tuesday of each month. Inquire of your station agent at once for rates. Join our Train at Kansas City. FREE BERTHS." 

The map is artfully framed to archival standards, with acid-free mats and backing, UV glass, and a custom-built black wooden frame.

Framed Dimensions: 24" H x 26" W x 1 1/8" D.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.