Researching the places we hunt

[Cherokeefan68]

We all have different preferences on where we hunt. This being said, I found a neat resource for those of us hunting in urban areas or on abandoned properties. While researching an old rail depot(the building is long gone) in the small town I live in, I found Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps(found it googling historic maps). The great thing about these are that you can get them for the early 1900's or even the late 1800's. The other cool thing is that most State Libraries have digitized a large part of this collection(over fifty thousand editions) for their state. I had to apply online for a State Library Card here in Iowa to see the states collection. The maps are downloadable so that you can take them with you out into the field. That old rail depot I was looking for, now has the town fire department building on the same piece of property, but the buildings are NOT in the same place. I am in the process of getting permission to hunt there. I am relatively new to this hobby, however, on the days I can't go out and hunt, I can do research which is a treasure hunt all on its own.


I have attached an example of a map from a small town here in Iowa.

 

[GRAY GHOST]

thats good initiative on your part, cherokeefan. it's a great idea. i've had trouble finding sanborns for my area in va. but i'll keep looking. hh, and hope it works out for you. and don't forget to post your finds!!!!

 

[Cherokeefan68]

I'm just glad I could pass the info along and some one finds it useful

 

[Bozack]

That's exactly how the masters do it! Whadda think they just stumble upon the good stuff? Absolutely not. If you really want the old paydirt; you gotta research! Schools in and CherokeeFan68 is teaching! Thanks for the post.