Research: How to??

[keeperoftheducks]

Cross-reference!
Best Case Scenario, in 5 Easy Steps:
1. Find an old map of your county at the library, historical society, etc.
2. Compare to modern maps, finding old homesteads that are in areas that are presently accessible to you (Public land, Your property, Land upon which you have, or can get, permission to hunt).
3. Take the names from these homesteads or buildings (train stations, markets, fairgrounds, granges), look them up in county histories.
4. Find sketches, pictures, descriptions, etc. of these homesteads or buildings.
5. Dig 'em!

Sometimes all it takes is a last name to put you in the hot spot.

Steve

[FinalLastDays]

Originally Posted by nhggagnon

Hi,

I agree that all the suggestions above are great! Some other things to keep in mind are:

Depending on the location, local town offices will sometimes be selling local history books. I know this was the case in New Hampshire, especially if they are approaching or just past a major centenial / bicentenial celebration. (actually every 50 years usually stirs up the historical folks in a town to present their data in a new way). They also have town/county reports that detail all the town business for the year. Barring natural disasters these should go back to the founding of the town. You will probably have to arrange with the office to view older ones.

Church and bible histories can also be helpful especially if you're researching revival sites.

Believe it or not EBAY! You would be surprised at what people have for sale and some of it real cheap. town/county reports, photos, postcards journals and most importantly maps! Just punch in a town and state into the search and see whats there. Of course most of the photos you dont even have to buy, just look at them to get ideas and if you want a copy just save the image.

Lastly, try to avoid frustration when referencing older maps by trying to overlay the information on a topo map. Roads change all the time but rivers and mountains seldom do. TopoZone - The Web's Topographic Map, and more! is great for this as it often contains maps dating back 50 plus years that may still show older roads or areas before dams were erected, flooding large areas (and yes I know that one from experience. Always wondered why I couldnt find that town until I realized it was under about 60 feet of water :) )

Good Luck
Gary

Gary - Thank you for some great information you gave. I know I can definately benefit from this information as well as any others who view this post. Thanks for taking the time and posting this!

[FinalLastDays]

Originally Posted by keeperoftheducks

Cross-reference!
Best Case Scenario, in 5 Easy Steps:
1. Find an old map of your county at the library, historical society, etc.
2. Compare to modern maps, finding old homesteads that are in areas that are presently accessible to you (Public land, Your property, Land upon which you have, or can get, permission to hunt).
3. Take the names from these homesteads or buildings (train stations, markets, fairgrounds, granges), look them up in county histories.
4. Find sketches, pictures, descriptions, etc. of these homesteads or buildings.
5. Dig 'em!

Sometimes all it takes is a last name to put you in the hot spot.

Steve

Steve - I think I will have to search even harder for some of those older maps. I'm thinking about maybe going to some old antique store or flea market and see if they ever come across old documents, including old town maps, etc. I have searched the library, however I cannot seem to find the exact maps of the towns I am searching for. Sooner or later I will find one. Thanks for your advice!

[FinalLastDays]

Originally Posted by Free2Dtect

Your reference section of the library should have them.

I have checked the reference section of the main branch of our local library... have found old maps of Louisiana, but all of them show state maps, not individual town and parish (county) maps that I was searching for. I guess I will have to ask the librarian if they may have other maps that are not on the "main floor" of the library.