Places
When a Map Makes the Story Better but Not Final
This field note is part of the FOBA learning stream. It is meant to orient readers and point toward better source work.
Key points
- Maps can show routes, roads, rivers, rail lines, buildings, schools, churches, businesses, and boundary changes.
- A map can make a place story clearer, but it usually proves location or context rather than family relationship, identity, or descent.
- Good map copy says what the map shows, what year it shows it, and what the page still needs from other records.
Next steps
- Capture map title, creator, date, sheet, repository, and visible feature.
- Pair maps with deeds, tax lists, directories, newspapers, photographs, and oral-history review.
- Add a text-based place list so readers do not have to rely on the map alone.
Source trail
- FOBA Sanborn Maps guide – Internal map-method entry.