1896 Map of Rio Grande

About this map

The Rio Grande defines the international boundary on this late nineteenth-century survey, separating Texas and Chihuahua. This map captures a crucial stretch of the United States Mexico border before significant modern engineering, where the river's path dictated the Boundary Line. Along the northern bank, the Southern Pacific R. R. (Galveston Harrisburg and San Antonio Div.) parallels the water, illustrating the vital role of the railroad in connecting this borderland to the wider American economy. The settlement at Fabens and the small station of Rio Grande stand as early nodes of development in El Paso County. The topography highlights the contrast between the river valley and the rising elevations to the north, documenting the geography that shaped early transportation routes and land use in the region.