Athens, Texas is "The Home of the Original Hamburger." To create the definitive tribute to Texas' hamburger culture, the Athens Visitor Initiative Program, in partnership with the City of Athens, Athens Central Business Association and organizers of Uncle Fletch's Hamburger & BBQ Cook-off, commissioned Rick Vanderpool, dubbing him "Hambassador", to travel over 11,000 miles in the state, collecting over 750 photos of places serving great hamburgers – joints recommended by a network of friends and associates, ranging from Texas tourism professionals and county judges, to county extension agents, educators and customers – all fans of great Texas hamburgers – soon to be the "Official Sandwich of Texas".

Known for his signature Texas-themed photo-montages of everything from the state name, stars and spurs, to wildflowers and windmills, Vanderpool says this travel/photography project was really something he could sink his teeth into. His unique collection of 350 photos of Texas hamburger joints should appease the visual appetite of lovers of hamburgers everywhere.

If your favorite joint is not included here, use this print with an accompanying legend to find your next favorite hamburger in Texas…

The Texas Hamburger – History of a Lone Star Icon, authored by Vanderpool, is available now at Texas bookstores, on this site and on www.texashamburgertrail.com. The book is published by The History Press.

Tell your Texas legislator you'd like to see the hamburger – made with Texas Beef – named as the "Official Sandwich of Texas".

Click on the poster to enlarge it and see how to purchase one.