General Highway Map of Harris County Texas: Texas State Highway Department, 1962 [1966]

• Title: GENERAL HIGHWAY MAP | HARRIS COUNTY TEXAS
  
• Author: Texas State Highway Department
• Date: 1962 [1966]
• Condition: Separated into 2 sheets - age related toning and some wear
• Inches: 18 1/4 x 25 1/4 [Sheet Size]
• Centimeters: 46.35 x 64.13 [Sheet Size]
• Product ID: 308478

This two-sheet highway map of Harris County, Texas, published by the Texas State Highway Department in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Public Roads, Planning Survey Division. The map is dated 1962, with highways revised to July 1, 1966. It is printed in blue ink on a light background and includes a comprehensive network of highways, roads, railroads, and notable geographic features throughout Harris County, which includes the city of Houston and its surrounding areas.

The map displays both major and minor roads, using different line styles and thicknesses to distinguish between U.S. highways, state highways, farm-to-market roads, and other road types. It also marks county lines, city limits, and important landmarks such as airports, rivers, lakes, and rail lines. Insets provide detailed views of certain towns and intersections, including Hockley, Huffsmith, Addicks, River Terrace, and others, allowing for a closer look at complex or significant areas.

A legend at the bottom right explains the various symbols and line types used to represent different roadways and features. There is also a small locator map of Texas showing the position of Harris County within the state. The map serves as both a navigational aid and a historical record of the transportation infrastructure in Harris County as it existed in the mid-1960s, reflecting the rapid growth and development of the Houston metropolitan area during that time.

Background on Creator

The Texas State Highway Department was originally established in 1917 by the Texas Legislature to administer federal highway construction and maintenance under the 1916 Federal Aid Road Act. It was initially focused on building and maintaining state highways and roads in cooperation with counties. In 1975, the department merged with the Texas Mass Transportation Commission and was renamed the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation to reflect expanded responsibilities including public transportation. In 1991, it was reorganized and renamed the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) by combining the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation, the Department of Aviation, and the Texas Motor Vehicle Commission.

Today, TxDOT is responsible for the construction, maintenance, and oversight of Texas’s vast state highway system as well as support for the state's maritime, aviation, rail, and public transportation systems. It is governed by a three-person commission appointed by the governor and managed by an executive director. TxDOT operates through 25 geographical districts and multiple specialized divisions to address the diverse transportation needs of Texas. The agency is headquartered in the Dewitt C. Greer Building in Austin and employs about 12,000 people. Its well-known slogan "Don't Mess with Texas" was launched in 1986 as part of an anti-littering campaign on Texas roadways. TxDOT no longer handles vehicle registration, a function transferred to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles in 2009.