AMARILLO — This holiday season, Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush is encouraging Texans to give the gift of Texas history from the Texas General Land Office Archives. Historic map reproductions are the perfect gift for friends and family that are proud of their Texas heritage and want to support our history for future generations. With more than 45,000 maps to choose from, there is a map perfect for any person who takes pride in our great state. However, maps aren’t the only unique Christmas gift the GLO has to offer this year.

Historic Map of Austin 

In addition to over 45,000 maps, the GLO Archives recently unveiled its annual limited-edition collectible Christmas ornament. This year, the GLO Archives presents the most unique ornament yet - the Gnome of Kimble County. Inspired by the title block found on the earliest map of Kimble County in the GLO Archives, and drawn by German immigrant and GLO draftsman F.H. Arlitt in 1860, this ornament resembles a gnome, which was popular imagery in Arlitt's native Germany. This ornament is the perfect piece of Texas history for the hard to shop for - history fanatic in your life.

"Here in Texas, our roots run deep," said Texas Land Commissioner Bush. "As Texans, we are proud of our history and heritage. This holiday season there's no better way to celebrate than by giving the gift that saves Texas history and exhibits the place we proudly call home." 

Visit SaveTexasHistory.org to find the perfect map and ‘historic gnome for your home’ for friends and loved ones. The 2019 collectible ornament won’t last long so make sure and secure one before they are gone! Online, you’ll have the option to select from maps of every county and major city, as well as hundreds of maps of the entire state, dating back to the Republic era, and even earlier. Historic map reproductions are priced from $20-$40. Online and phone orders must be placed before 5 p.m. Dec. 19th to be delivered by Christmas Day. Orders can also be placed by calling 1-800-998-4GLO (4456).

The Save Texas History Program is a unique program that brings together private and public efforts to preserve the 36 million maps and documents at the Texas General Land Office. The General Land Office raises $100,000 for map and document conservation per year through the sale of map and document reproductions, donations and grants.