The Republic of Texas and The Infant West, 1847 Limited Edition Map

Becoming The American West In the middle of the Mexican-American War - the key that fit the lock of Westward Expansion - Jacob Monk's 1847 wall map was conceived. It's a beautiful snapshot of the western part of the continent morphing into the American West.  As this map was being drawn, the Mormons were en route to the Great Salt Lake. The Mexican-American War in California was ended by treaty, opening the door for the Gold Rush. Oregon's borders were established but it was not officially a territory. The Texas Rangers were fighting with the Colt Walker. Every eyeball was trained on the West as it slid into focus and mapmakers held their breath. Not Jacob Monk, though. The Philadelphia map publisher forged onward to depict the infant West - the eastern half of the country  carved into states full of towns and people, the western half was naked by comparison. In Texas (still rocking her youthful Republic figure) Monk included the Alamo, Goliad ("Fanning's Battle") and the Battle of S