How to find out what my area would have looked like years ago?

Question

I would love to find out what was here before my house was built, and what the area looked like years ago. Is there any websites i could check?

Answer 1

Local historical societies are helpful. Also, check with your city's department of planning and city archives. They may have land surveys, old photos and building plans you can get copies of. Also check your local library and talk to a librarian. They usually know their stuff and know how to point you to good resources. In my city, each library has their own files on local history. Maps are excellent resouces. Digital Sanborn fire insurance maps are available online, but you need to login through a subscribing institution (library, school). Sanborn are also available in bound form.

Answer 2

I would say start with contacting your local historical society.Most communities have them.

Good Luck

Answer 3

if you can't find it on a website try your local library or bookshop

Answer 4

Newspaper archives are good, too.