- Title: Map of Texas With Population and Location of Principal Towns and Cities
- Author: The Kenyon Company Map Makers
- Date: 1913
- Condition: Excellent - minor paper loss at issued folds. Evidence of map removed from cover in top left margin.
- Inches: 20 1/8 x 18 [Image]
- Centimeters: 51.11 x 45.72 [Image]
- Product ID: 308400
Exceedingly Rare and Notable Promotional Map of Texas
This map presented with it's original cover was specifically created to highlight the benefits of Fort Stockton, and issued under the sponsorship of the Fort Stockton Irrigated Lands Company. The counties within Texas are depicted in various colors, while the entire state is outlined in red. Fort Stockton is marked with a large red square and a pointing finger and is labeled by name along with statistics for altitude, rainfall, and average summer and winter temperatures.
The margins of the map—corresponding to areas representing Oklahoma and Mexico—are filled with promotional statements about Fort Stockton. In the Oklahoma section, a bold, all-caps message proclaims: "SEE THE FINEST FRUIT AND ALFALFA VALLEY IN AMERICA AT FORT STOCKTON, TEXAS. NOT CHEAPER LAND BUT BETTER LAND AND GREATER PROFITS." On the left, beneath Texas, additional advertising presents a ten-point list outlining the advantages for those considering investment in Fort Stockton, with sponsorship attributed to the Fort Stockton Irrigated Lands Company. The reverse side of the map features a directory of Texas cities, including their populations, each keyed to locations shown on the map.
Background on Fort Stockton Irrigated Lands Company
The Fort Stockton Irrigated Lands Company was an early 20th-century land development firm active in Pecos County, Texas. Its primary purpose was to promote and sell irrigated farmland in the Fort Stockton area, capitalizing on the region’s significant water resources from Comanche Springs and nearby aquifers. The company marketed the agricultural potential of the area—especially for fruit, alfalfa, and other crops—by emphasizing the advantages of reliable irrigation and the profitability of farming in West Texas.
Background on Creator
The Kenyon Company, Map Makers, was an American printing and publishing firm active from 1874 to around 1930, based in Des Moines, Iowa. The company specialized in producing maps, atlases, and books, and promoted high-quality calendars in local publications such as the Des Moines Tribune. Their output included a wide range of cartographic works, such as parcel post maps, state and regional maps, and atlases, with notable examples including their 1912 world time map and county atlases from the early 20th century. The Kenyon Company operated out of a building constructed in 1907, which also housed their printing operations and was known for producing advertising novelties in addition to maps and books. Their maps are now considered collectible and are valued for their historical and regional detail.
Rarity
Exceedingly Rare, OCLC lists only one copy in the collections of the Museum of Texas Tech University.