Sanborn maps, how can I view?

Are you looking for local or distant maps? Libraries often have local maps in special collections or historical rooms; the historical society might as well. I know, for example, there's a beautiful set of Boston in the State Transportation Library.

If you're looking for maps of areas you're not in, I'm not sure.

A lot depends on where you live. If you are a resident of Ohio, for example, there is a large collection available via the state's library system, but only to state residents You would also likely be able to access the maps via anly library participating in a state-sponsored network.And "residence requirements" can be somewhat flexible if you travel on business, or move frequently, or seasonally.

I'd statr out by obtaining borrowing priveleges at a major city or college library near you, then consulting with the refernence department regarding inter-library loan policies. And remember, the ability to store large files on "flash/thumb dirives has expanded rapidly in recent times. Good luck!

Relo from General; I might have to add "Maps" to the forum title!

If you're interested in NJ, there's a spreadsheet here: http://metaldetectingforum.com/showthread.php?t=59807 with links to most pre-1924 New Jersey Sanborn Maps, courtesy of the Princeton University Library.

A few PA ones are also available on-line through Penn State Library, here http://www.libraries.psu.edu/psul/digital/sanborn.html Only a few towns are digitized, mostly alphabetic A-C, but better than nothing

Hope this helps someone,

Doug

When I was in college, our campus library had these maps for at least the city. Access to these maps was restricted to students: you had to show your student ID card in order to see them.

Why the secrecy? Your guess is as good as mine.

Les