Texas & Suburbs: Mountaintop Studios & The National Hysterical Association, 1987 [1997]

This map is a masterful example of whimsical cartography that playfully exaggerates Texas’s geographic and cultural dominance. Created by Mountaintop Studios in 1997, it humorously presents Texas as a vast, central landmass, dwarfing and overshadowing the rest of the United States, which are depicted as mere "suburbs" or peripheral regions. The surrounding states are whimsically renamed and caricatured—California becomes "Disneyland," Oklahoma is "Upper Texas," and the Southeast is labeled with playful twists like "TARA" and "ADLANA," all poking fun at regional stereotypes and Texan bravado.

The map is densely illustrated with tongue-in-cheek references, such as a legend labeled "Tall Tales (Lies)," which lists the state flower, gem, and motto ("Drive Frenly")—all intentionally exaggerated or fabricated to underscore the satirical tone. Iconography throughout the map, from oil wells to cowboy hats, amplifies Texas’s cultural motifs, while the exaggerated scale at the bottom facetiously compares "Texas miles" to "Elsewhere miles," further lampooning the state’s legendary sense of grandeur.

Inside Texas, cities like Dallas, Houston, Austin, and Lubbock are boldly marked and surrounded by playful annotations and illustrations, while the landscape is colored in lush green, contrasting with the muted tones of the "suburbs." The Gulf of Mexico is whimsically labeled, and even Mexico is referenced with the same playful spirit. Every detail, from the oversized cowboy hat atop the title to the irreverent border notes, contributes to a map that is both a celebration and a parody of Texas pride. This map is not only a visual delight but also a clever commentary on the state’s outsized place in the American imagination, making it a favorite among collectors and anyone who appreciates the art of cartographic humor.

Background on Creator(s)

Mountaintop Studios is a creative enterprise based in De Leon, Texas, known for producing whimsical and satirical pictorial maps. Co-branded with "The National Hysterical Association," a fictional or tongue-in-cheek organization created to further emphasize the maps’ humorous and irreverent tone. The National Hysterical Association is not a formal institution, but rather a playful invention meant to parody the seriousness of official organizations, adding another layer of satire to the studio’s work. Mountaintop Studios’ output, characterized by imaginative design and cultural parody, appeals to collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate both the artistry and the humor of pictorial cartography.