Building and House History - Maps and Atlases

Sanborn mapThe Library has a variety of resources that document the history of houses and other buildings, including:

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Maps and Atlases

Sanborn Insurance maps, 1880s to 1950s, provide detailed information about buildings in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and other larger cities. Smaller towns and suburbs are not included.

Another series of fire insurance maps, from the Fire Underwriters Bureau, includes many smaller communities. These maps date primarily from the 1950s and 1960s.

Real estate atlases for Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth provide less detailed information but may cover suburban areas not on the Sanborn maps.

Countyland ownership maps are useful for rural areas and undeveloped areas around Minneapolis and St. Paul.

U.S. Geological Survey topographical maps indicate the number and location of structures in rural areas and less developed suburbs.

For more information please refer to the the map collection section of the website.