“New Braunfels No 1” is a finely observed US Geological Survey topographic map, based on survey data from 1925 and published subsequently as an “advance” sheet, suggesting an early or updated issue prepared ahead of a more final edition. Centered on New Braunfels and nearby Gruene, it captures a distinctive Central Texas landscape at a moment when rural roads, rail lines, schools, churches, springs, and town sites were shaping patterns of settlement. The USGS, already the foremost American authority in scientific mapping, brought to this sheet its characteristic precision: measured contours, carefully placed place names, and a disciplined visual hierarchy that makes the terrain intelligible at a glance while preserving the texture of local history.

At a scale of 1:48,000, the map balances breadth with intimate local detail, allowing the viewer to read both the structure of the region and the smaller features that animated daily life. Contour lines describe the rising and falling ground around New Braunfels, Gruene, Geronimo Creek, Cypress Creek, Cottonwood Creek, Shiner Springs, and Canyon Springs, revealing the subtle relief that governs drainage, roads, and settlement. The Comal River, one of the defining natural features of New Braunfels, appears not simply as a watercourse but as an organizing presence. Railroads, major highways, and farm-to-market roads trace the developing infrastructure of early twentieth-century Texas, tying farms, schools, churches, and towns into a wider commercial network.

New Braunfels itself is the historical heart of the sheet. Founded in the nineteenth century by German settlers, the town retained a strong cultural identity visible in its street patterns, civic institutions, and relationship to the Comal River. The map marks educational and community landmarks such as New Braunfels High School, New Braunfels School Hill, Navarro School, Rose School, and Fairground Church, offering a portrait of a town whose public life was anchored by schools, churches, fairs, and transport routes. Landa Park, associated with the springs and river landscape that made New Braunfels famous, adds another layer of significance: a place of recreation, water, and local memory embedded within a precisely surveyed topographic setting.

Just to the northeast, Gruene appears as a smaller but culturally resonant place, today celebrated for its historic buildings and deep association with Texas country music. On this 1925-based map, however, Gruene is encountered in a quieter phase, set among creeks, springs, roads, and agricultural surroundings rather than as a heritage destination. That contrast gives the map particular charm: it records the landscape before later fame transformed the town’s identity. The contouring around Gruene and the neighboring water features shows why settlement clustered where it did, while the roads and railroad connections reveal how goods, people, and culture moved through the area. In this sense, the map is both geographic document and prelude to a beloved Texas landmark.

The sheet is especially compelling as a record of transition. It shows Central Texas after the era of frontier settlement but before the full imprint of modern suburban expansion, when rural schools, churches, rail lines, and emerging highways structured the landscape. Names such as Open Springs Church, Cottonwood Creek, Geronimo Creek, and Cypress Creek preserve a local geography of water, worship, and work, while regional connections hint at the larger world beyond New Braunfels, including routes toward other Texas communities and counties. The “advance” character of the map adds to its historical interest, suggesting cartography in motion: a government survey capturing land use, transportation, and topography as the region entered a new phase of twentieth-century development.

Cities, towns and places on this map

• Gruene
• New Braunfels
• Comal River
• Landa Park
• Rose School
• Spec Hi School
• Shiner Springs
• Canyon Springs
• Geronimo Creek
• Cypress Creek
• Schulenburg
• Lee County
• New Braunfels School Hill
• New Braunfels High School
• Navarro School
• Open Springs Church
• Cottonwood Creek
• Fairground Church
• Farm-to-market roads
• Railroads
• Major highways

Historical context & cartographic details

• Map title: New Braunfels No 1
• Produced by the US Geological Survey, an important authority in American topographical mapping.
• Based on survey data from 1925 and published subsequently.
• The word “advance” suggests this may have included specialized updates or features compared with earlier versions.
• The map uses a scale of 1:48,000, balancing geographic coverage with local detail.
• Contour lines show relief and elevation changes across the surrounding Texas terrain.
• The map offers insight into the historical layout, land use, and urban development of the area in the early 20th century.
• Gruene is noted for its historic homes and later cultural significance, especially in country music.
• New Braunfels is associated with German heritage and 19th-century settlement history.

Looking for a particular place? Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, ask our workshop to check before you order.

Detailed maps are especially rewarding at larger sizes, where names, boundaries and decorative features have more room to be appreciated. Use the close-up preview and size guide to choose the right scale for your wall.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

Where personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. See personalised map examples.

Every piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an unframed map print, framed map or canvas using the finish options above. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.

With its rich detail and strong sense of place, this map makes a considered gift for a new home, anniversary, retirement or anyone with a personal connection to the area shown. Still deciding? Explore our collection of rare old and vintage maps to discover another place, period or style.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.