Hays County was established in 1848 adjacent to Travis County and would become part of the Austin metroplex over the following decades. Produced by Texas Land Commissioner William Walsh, this unique depiction offers the viewer a window into the past while creating an indelible bond with the present. Walsh was severely wounded at the Battle of Gaines Hill, where he was a captain. The region was experiencing a period of economic reconstruction following the conclusion of the Civil War, and as the State capital grew, so did surrounding counties.
Located on the Edwards Aquifer, Hays County attracted immigrants from across Western Europe, Scandinavia, and Germany. These groups settled along cultural lines establishing numerous neighborhoods, many of which exist to this day. The county was named after famed Texas Ranger and Mexican-American War veteran John Coffee Hays. A native of Tennessee, Hays moved to the Republic of Texas at nineteen years old in 1836, some nine years before the region would achieve statehood. Hays commanded the first regiment of Texas Rangers at Monterrey and would go on to establish six companies on both the northern and southern Texas borders.
This map was published in the same year as the completion of the International-Great Northern Railroad, which expanded access to the County Seat of San Marcos from Austin. The rail line's completion spurred an economic boom for the city and county and drew residents from across the state. This is truly an authentic piece of American and Texan cartographical history.
Our museum quality giclee print comes printed with archival ink on premium heavyweight matte paper. Shipped in a sturdy cardboard tube your print will arrive ready to be framed. This eye-catching vintage map reproduction print makes the perfect gift for anyone that loves history and imagery.
