Over the years Texas maps have changed dramatically in order to reflect the shifting political boundaries of the state.  In this lesson plan, students will analyze the early maps of Texas and compare them to the highway map of Texas today. Students will discuss how things have – and haven’t – changed, and will complete this lesson by creating a map of their own community.   

Created by Laurie Gallant, December 2007

The student uses geographic tools to collect, analyze, and interpret data. The student is expected to pose and answer questions about geographic distributions and patterns in Texas during the 19th and 20th centuries.
TEKS §113.23. Geography, Grade 7. (b)(8)(B)

The student understands the location and characteristics of places and regions of Texas. The student is expected to:

• locate places and regions of importance in Texas during the 19th and 20th centuries;
• compare places and regions of Texas in terms of physical and human characteristics; and
• analyze the effects of physical and human factors such as climate, weather, landforms, irrigation, transportation, and communication on major events in Texas.

TEKS §113.23. Geography, Grade 7. (b)(9)(A,B,C)

The student understands the effects of the interaction between humans and the environment in Texas during the 19th and 20th centuries. The student is expected to explain ways in which geographic factors have affected the political, economic, and social development of Texas.
TEKS §113.23. Geography, Grade 7. (b)(10)(B)

The student understands the characteristics, distribution, and migration of population in Texas in the 19th and 20th centuries. The student is expected to:

• analyze how immigration and migration to Texas in the 19th and 20th centuries have influenced Texas;
• analyze the effects of the changing population distribution in Texas during the 20th century.

TEKS §113.23. Geography, Grade 7. (b)(11)(B,C)

TIDES images to study:

Map of Texas, 1805
Map of Texas, 1836
1837 map of Texas, Mexico, and part of the United States
1841 map of Texas
1850 map of Texas
El Camino Real, Missions
Map of Texas Forts & Indians, 1846-1850
Map of the Republic of Texas, 1845
Map of San Antonio de Bejar, 1836

1. Have the students analyze the above links and, depending on the level and ability of the students, use either the APPARTS Document 8.1 or the RAFT Document 8.2 to record notes and information.  Students should analyze at least three of the links, but the others should also be discussed. (Note from author: I starred my favorite three, but you use what works best for your class.)

2. After the class has analyzed the maps on the TIDES site, have the students look at their highway map.  Have a student record the obvious differences between the highway map and the other maps.  Discuss which roads appear on both the current highway map and any of the older maps.  (El Camino Real should be one of the roads.) Students should complete a Document Analysis over the highway map using either APPARTS or RAFT Document. 

The teacher may use the Document analysis sheets as one form of assessment.  Students can also create a map of their community.  They should include the major roads, the places they shop, schools, churches, restaurants, and areas of interest.  Maps must include a compass rose and a legend.  Have students compare their map with three other students.  Which map is most accurate? Why did some students include certain places while others didn’t? How could this trend have affected the maps viewed on the TIDES site? Discuss the purpose of maps.

Refer to the Traveling through Texas Activity Book.  Have students identify population symbols and locate them on a Hwy map. Have students locate numerous communities based on the population symbols.  What would you find in a city with a population of 10,000+ as compared to a town of less than 500?   Look back at the early maps.  Discuss how an immigrant or settler would know where to settle in Texas according to the maps. 

Map of Texas, 1805 Map of Texas, 1836 1837 map of Texas, Mexico, and part of the United States 1841 map of Texas 1850 map of Texas El Camino Real, Missions Map of Texas Forts & Indians, 1846-1850 Map of the Republic of Texas, 1845 Map of San Antonio de Bejar, 1836 APPARTS Document Analysis Sheet RAFT Document Analysis Sheet

Traveling through Texas by Doris Mircovich and Richard D. Sorenson (which includes a Texas Highway Map). Teachers can also order a class set of the maps and laminate the maps so that they can be used year after year. 

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