Step into the vibrant world of 1930s Texas with the captivating pictorial map titled simply “Texas,” created by the celebrated cartographer Ruth Taylor White in 1935. This map, a centerpiece from a whimsical atlas series, radiates with color and personality, inviting viewers to explore the Lone Star State through a lens of playful artistry and cultural pride. White’s approach transforms the traditional map into a canvas teeming with life, where every county boundary is outlined and the entire state is brought to life with lively illustrations that reflect the era’s spirit and the unique Texan identity.

Ruth Taylor White, renowned for her innovative and engaging cartographic style, was a pioneer in thematic and pictorial mapping during the early twentieth century. Her work stands apart for its ability to blend accurate geographical representation with artistic flair, resulting in maps that are as informative as they are delightful. White’s Texas map is a masterclass in this approach, skillfully weaving together historical references, regional characteristics, and a touch of humor to create a truly memorable depiction of the state. Each illustration is carefully chosen to reflect the culture, economy, and natural beauty of Texas as seen through the eyes of the 1930s.

The map is a rich tapestry of Texas’s most iconic features and industries, capturing the essence of the state’s landscape and heritage. Dominating the visual narrative are images of cattle ranching, cowboys, and oil derricks—symbols of Texas’s economic might and rugged character. Cotton fields and agricultural scenes stretch across the plains, while the Gulf Coast is alive with maritime activity. The Rio Grande snakes along the southern border, and the state’s diverse geography is rendered in playful caricatures, from the rolling Hill Country to the arid deserts of the west.

White’s artistry does not stop at industry and landscape; she imbues the map with cultural and historical depth. Spanish missions, nods to the state’s colonial past, are delicately illustrated alongside depictions of Native Americans, offering a glimpse into the layered history of Texas. Wildlife, such as armadillos and deer, roam the countryside, and scenes of rodeos and hunting add to the lively tableau. These elements are not mere decoration—they serve as a visual storytelling device, encapsulating the myths, legends, and realities that have shaped Texas’s identity.

Perhaps most striking is the map’s celebration of Texas’s urban centers, which are depicted with equal parts reverence and whimsy. From Houston and Dallas to San Antonio and Austin, each city is thoughtfully positioned and labeled, reflecting their significance both then and now. Smaller towns and oil boom communities are also represented, providing a fascinating snapshot of Texas’s demographic landscape in the mid-1930s. This map is more than a navigational tool—it is a historical document, a work of art, and a testament to Ruth Taylor White’s enduring legacy in American cartography.

Cities and towns on this map

• Houston
• San Antonio
• Dallas
• Austin
• Fort Worth
• El Paso
• Arlington
• Corpus Christi
• Lubbock
• Amarillo
• Waco
• Beaumont
• Abilene
• Midland
• Odessa
• San Angelo
• Tyler
• Laredo
• Galveston
• Brownsville

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrations of cattle ranching and cowboys, highlighting Texas’s ranching heritage
• Oil wells and oil derricks, representing the importance of the oil industry in Texas
• Depictions of cotton farming, a major agricultural activity in the state
• Images of Native Americans, reflecting the historical presence of indigenous peoples in Texas
• Illustrations of Spanish missions, referencing the state’s colonial history
• Drawings of longhorn cattle, a symbol of Texas
• Artistic representations of rodeos and related activities
• Illustrations of armadillos, a creature associated with Texas
• Pictorial representations of the Gulf Coast, including maritime activities
• Scenes of hunting and wildlife, such as deer and birds
• Visual references to the Rio Grande River along the southern border
• Cartoon depictions of oil boom towns and rural life
• Artistic renderings of the Texas Hill Country and desert landscapes
• Illustrations of agriculture, including corn and wheat fields
• Playful caricatures of Texas culture, including stereotypical dress and activities

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Texas (original title)
• Mapmaker: Ruth Taylor White
• Date created: 1935
• Type of map: County or State Thematic and Pictorial map
• Design/style: Features colorful, cartoon-like illustrations and artistic interpretations, with a focus on humor and stereotypes of the era
• Themes/topics: Showcases Texas culture, notable landmarks, regional characteristics, and activities typical of the 1930s, as perceived through a lighthearted lens
• Regions shown: The entire state of Texas, with counties outlined and labeled
• Historical context: Reflects the cultural imagery and stereotypes of Texas in the 1930s, providing insight into how the state was popularly perceived during that period
• Significance: Serves as both a historical artifact and a piece of Americana, illustrating the use of pictorial maps to convey cultural identity and regional pride in early 20th-century America

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 map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.

Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.

Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.

We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.

• We can deliver directly to the recipient
• Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
• Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
• Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
• 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide

If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.

Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.

We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.

Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.

Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.

Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.

If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.

Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.

Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 10-year guarantee.

Read our full delivery and local production guide

Our standard frame is a gallery-style black ash hardwood frame, with a simple, modern look. It is approximately 20mm (0.8in) wide. You can also view some lovely customer photos of framed maps and art.

We use super-clear acrylic glazing, also known as Perspex or Acrylite, instead of traditional glass. It is lighter, safer, and has lower reflectivity, giving the artwork a clearer, cleaner appearance.

Six standard frame colours are available at no extra cost: black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white, and antique gold. Custom framing and mounting/matting is also available for customers looking for something more specific.

Most maps, art prints, and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced wooden box frame, and then float the piece within a wooden outer frame. The finished result is beautifully presented, with no glazing between you and the artwork.

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

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

If you would prefer to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read our size guide before ordering.

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 and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.

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 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.

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. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.

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.