Where can you find records and maps of where homesteads and properties in your area were 100 years ago?

Answer 1

First, you should visit your local land records office to see what they have in their archives. If they have a collection of old atlases you should review each one. Some show small blocks along the old roads where dwellings and buildings were located with the owner's name. There are also old atlases of city streets that actually show the separate parcels. They may have other old maps in storage. While you're at the land records office you should try to strike up a conversation with a local title examiner. A professional title examiner or attorney who specializes in conveyancing would know if/where you might find what you're looking for. You should also visit the local historical society. They usually have a collection of early maps that document prominent residents and founders and the locations of their lands. They may have old, privately published booklets with information. In New England these small booklets were popular and were written by the local historians in the early to mid-twentieth century. They were often sponsored by churches. You should also search town halls, the local library and the libraries of any local colleges for local history collections and old atlases.