What is the importance of a historical atlas to the study of Texas history and culture?
A. The relationship of history and geography cannot be separated. One must be aware of the natural features in order to understand and appreciate the activities of inhabitants. Early European and American explorations, pioneer settlements, and later developments into a modern society can best be understood by studying maps and other illustrations that depict information presented in the text. Graphic illustrations of activities, together with interpretations in the essays, are essential to an understanding of the land and its people through time periods. Q. How did you select the topics to be discussed? A. I began with an examination of the surface terrain, geological features, weather, and vegetation to set the stage for a study of Texans from the time of the first inhabitants to the present generation. The study then portrayed the goings and comings of Texans in a chronological manner within topics. Texans have been fortunate to inherit outstanding bounties of nature together with a
