Very Large Map of Texas by Hoffman & Walker, 1965: Historical, Alamo, Galveston, Chisholm Trail, Spanish Explorers

Step into the storied past of the Lone Star State with the "Pictorial Historical Map of Texas" by Hoffman & Walker, crafted in 1965. This extraordinary map is more than a cartographic artifact—it is a visual journey through centuries of Texas history, elegantly illustrated and richly annotated. From the first recorded European landing by Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca near Galveston Island in 1528, to the transformative events of the early 20th century, this map weaves together the dramatic tapestry of exploration, conflict, and cultural evolution that shaped Texas.

Every inch of this map is alive with historical detail. Major milestones are vividly depicted, including the legendary Battle of San Jacinto, the heroic stand at the Alamo in San Antonio, and the devastation wrought by the Galveston hurricane of 1900, known as the "Big Storm." The routes of Spanish explorers and early settlers are carefully traced, while iconic cattle drives and the famed Chisholm Trail snake across the landscape, capturing the spirit of the frontier. These visual narratives are complemented by illustrations of missions, forts, and early settlements, offering a comprehensive overview of Texas’s formative years.

What sets this map apart is its engaging pictorial style, which brings to life not only the geography but also the people and events that defined Texas. Portraits of historical figures, depictions of Native American tribes, and representations of early military outposts and architectural landmarks create a sense of immediacy and connection to the past. The map’s thematic richness is further enhanced by its inclusion of Texas’s agricultural, industrial, and cultural milestones, from the first oil discoveries to the rise of major cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin.

The map’s educational value is matched by its aesthetic appeal. Each annotation and illustration is meticulously placed, inviting viewers to explore the significant battles, historic towns, and transformative events that unfolded across Texas. The interplay of artistic detail and historical accuracy makes this map an exceptional conversation piece, ideal for those who appreciate both the artistry of cartography and the depth of historical narrative.

For collectors, historians, or anyone captivated by the saga of Texas, this map offers a unique window into the state’s remarkable journey. It serves as a tribute to the resilience, diversity, and enduring legacy of Texas, capturing the essence of its people, its landscapes, and its pivotal role in American history. Displaying this map is not just an act of decoration—it is an invitation to relive the triumphs and trials that forged the identity of Texas.

Places on this map

• Galveston Island
• San Antonio (including the Alamo)
• Houston
• Austin
• Dallas
• Fort Worth
• El Paso
• Corpus Christi
• Laredo
• Amarillo
• Waco
• Brownsville
• San Jacinto (battle site)
• Nacogdoches
• Goliad
• Gonzales
• Beaumont
• Abilene
• Lubbock
• Tyler

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustration and label of Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca's landing near Galveston Island in 1528
• Depiction of the "Big Storm" hurricane in Galveston in 1900
• The Alamo in San Antonio, prominently illustrated and labeled
• Battle of San Jacinto, clearly marked and illustrated
• Route of Spanish explorers and early settlers
• Depiction of early Spanish missions
• Illustrations of cattle drives and the Chisholm Trail
• Depiction of Native American tribes and settlements
• Illustration of early forts and military outposts
• Depiction of the Texas Revolution events
• Illustration of the Republic of Texas era
• Depiction of early railroads and stagecoach routes
• Illustrations of significant historical figures in Texas history
• Illustrations of historical architecture and landmarks
• Depiction of early oil discoveries and drilling sites
• Illustrations related to Texas's agricultural history
• Depiction of early settlements and colonization efforts
• Illustrations of frontier life and pioneer settlements
• Depiction of significant rivers and geographic features
• Illustrations of historical events related to Texas independence
• Depiction of early maritime exploration and shipwrecks
• Illustrations of historical flags associated with Texas history
• Depiction of significant battles and skirmishes
• Illustrations of historical transportation methods (wagons, stagecoaches, railroads)
• Depiction of significant historical towns and cities
• Illustrations of wildlife and natural resources historically significant to Texas
• Depiction of early educational institutions and schools
• Illustrations of historical religious missions and churches
• Depiction of historical trade routes and commerce
• Illustrations of historical cultural events and traditions

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Pictorial Historical Map of Texas
• Date of creation: 1965
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Hoffman & Walker
• Hoffman & Walker were known for creating detailed, pictorial, and thematic maps that visually narrate historical events and cultural heritage
• The map provides historical labels and illustrations from the arrival of Spanish explorer Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca in 1528, through significant historical events up to the Galveston hurricane ("Big Storm") of 1900
• The map focuses on historical events, exploration, colonization, battles, and significant cultural and historical landmarks in Texas history
• Primarily the state of Texas, USA, with surrounding states and Mexico partially visible for context
• The map is pictorial and thematic, featuring detailed illustrations, historical annotations, and a vintage, artistic style typical of mid-20th century historical maps
• The map visually captures key historical moments and landmarks in Texas history, providing educational value and cultural insight into Texas's past

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This is a very large map that must be ordered at a large size, so that you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x16in (40x40cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.