Lining Out Your Research

Do you know where all the lines are on the map of your ancestor’s neighborhood? Property lines, county lines, state lines, they all play a role in your family history research. These lines change over time as new territories are created, county lines are debated and finalized, and as your ancestor buys and sells property. Getting your ancestor’s maps all “lined” up may help solve your problem. And keep in mind that while contemporary maps are always an excellent idea they should not be used by themselves. Maps created decades after your relative lived in an area may also be helpful as well.

With maps–the more, the merrier.