Using Old Maps in Genealogy

Using old maps in genealogy Old maps can be a great addition to your research, even though they don't provide any direct ancestor information. They can still assist you with your searching and help you uncover new places to investigate. And if nothing else, they add a welcome visual element to a possibly endless stream of written documents.

Maps can pose a difficult problem, because there are more than one kind of map. Even once you've pinned down a geographic region and point in time, then you need to find the kind of map that suits your purposes. Maps can simply show county boundaries, or have detailed networks of streets marked off. Topographical maps will display little about a town, instead focusing on the geography and terrain. Finding the precise map that fits your needs can be tough. It may not even exist.

What can you learn from a map?

Obviously, maps are all about finding locations. So that is what you are likely going to get out of an old map. Since other vital records are usually stored or archived by region, at a county or city level, there may be many occasions where a map can help you know which way to turn next. If you have residence information about a relative from a census or newspaper article, a map can help you put that tiny piece of data into context and figure out which county might hold more substantial records.

You can also establish migration routes, and therefore possibly locate places where a family might have stopped as they moved form one place to another. School records could be searched once you determine which schools were closest to someone's residence. There are many examples of how a map can be helpful in your research.

Though many online archives now have maps and atlases digitally scanned and available for viewing on the Internet, remember that maps were created to be viewed either on a wall or spread on a flat surface. Meaning, they can be pretty large. Online viewing is not going to be the most efficient or easiest way to peruse an antique map.

Published maps won't likely have your relatives individual home or homestead marked. You should check plat maps or deed books for that kind of mapping information.

There are some excellent map collections at these sites:

Norman B Leventhal Map Center – Lots of good images, though the maps do focus quite heavily on the USA. Images can be scrolled with a handy map viewing tool. Use the search box to find your locations.

Alabama Maps Historical Archive - Like the last one, mainly US maps but there are a number of overseas ones as well. You can browse by category/region. You may need a media plugin to see the maps.

The Map Archive - A volunteer-run collection of antique and modern map images. Not a huge resource, but worth a look.