Roemer, Ferdinand

Texas. Mit besonderer Rucksicht auf deutsche Auswanderung und die physichen Verhältnisse des Landes. Bonn: [Carl Georgi for] Adolph Marcus, 1849 



8vo (9 x 5 5/8 in.; 228 x 142 mm, unopened). Folding lithographed map with geological formations in original color entitled Topographisch-geognostische Karte von Texas, 24 x 20 ½ in.; 610 x 520 mm; text lightly browned with a few scattered marginal spots, part of left margin of map cut away without loss. Original printed wrappers; spine broken, covers brittle with chips and small tears. Text in a cream cloth drop box. Map matted glazed and framed. 

Day, Maps of Texas, p. 51; Graff 3549; Howes R407; Jenkins, Basic Texas Books 179; Sabin 72593; Siebert sale, lot 958; on Roemer see DSB XI: 500

First edition of one of the monuments of Texas history containing the first geological map of Texas, in some aspects never surpassed. 

Roemer (1818-1891), with a doctorate in paleontology from Berlin, came to Texas in 1845 to spend eighteen months exploring the central part of the state on an expedition sponsored by Alexander von Humboldt and the Berlin Academy. His publication of this work earned him the title of "father of Texas geology". 

In the map Roemer identifies various geological strata by color. This geological data is laid over an excellent topographical map that includes a wealth of human detail with an account of the road system, with many towns, settlements, forts, ferries, etc., laid down. Roemer was also an acute social observer, and this book contains many descriptions of incidents and people he met during his stay. He was especially aware of German immigration to the area, and many of his comments concern their current or potential welfare. His eyewitness account of the treaty negotiations between the Comanche, Baron von Meusebach and Robert S. Neighbors is considered a valuable account of those proceedings.