Young, J.H. "Map of the State of Texas From The Latest Authorities"

J.H. Young.  Plate 25.  “Map of the State of Texas From The Latest Authorities.”  From A New Universal Atlas… 

Philadelphia: Cowperthwait, Desilver & Butler, 1854. 12 3/4 x 15 3/4.  Lithographic transfer from engraved plate by J. L. Hazzard.  Full original hand color.  Minor stain in bottom right hand margin.  Narrow margin at top.  Very good condition. 

An excellent map of Texas by J.H. Young, filled with very up-to-date information that is presented clearly and with a striking appearance.  Just two years previously, in 1852, an earlier version of this map’s publisher, Cowperthwait, Desilver & Butler, issued a similar map that showed little development in the western parts of the state.  Young compiled the most current details available and produced a map that shows a significant amount of information for both the eastern and western portions of the state.  In the east, the patchwork of counties is illuminated by the contrasting pastel colors, and this region is filled with towns, rivers, roads and information on existing and planned railroad lines.  In the western parts of the state, Young shows the larger counties, as well as notes on Indian tribes, forts, topography, trails, and water holes.  Two inset maps are included, one of the northern panhandle, and one of the vicinity of Galveston City.  A number of notes are given on geographic features, and a table of population is included with much interesting information.  Overall, a fascinating and decorative map from an important period of Texas history. The 1854 edition is normally found with a date and Hidalgo County. This map is dated 1852 but Hidalgo County is not yet shown.