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Finding Items - Sanborn Maps
This collection is housed in the map collection of the Center for American History at the University of Texas. The collection consists of insurance maps of Texas cities published in New York by the Sanborn Map Company. The maps range in date from 1877 to 1951. The scale of the maps is generally 1:600 or 50 feet to the inch. There are 17,490 sheets which are 25 and one-half inches by 21 and one-half inches (sheet size varies somewhat).
Maps of 426 Texas cities in 213 counties are included in the collection. Cities for which multiple sheets are necessary have an index map and an index to streets and "specials" (businesses, schools, churches, etc.).
Each map includes a "key" to symbols and information about population, fire protection and water facilities. Type of construction for each building is denoted by color. The maps also indicate building use (i.e. dwelling, type of business, vacant), type of roof construction, house numbers, block numbers, street widths, spot elevations and fire protection - water pipes or mains, sprinklers, fire hydrants, fire alarm boxes, etc. The number of stories in all buildings and windows in multi-story buildings, fire walls, frame partitions and other features such as cloth-lined walls, steam boilers and skylights are also indicated.
The alphabetical index to Sanborn maps available at CAH refers to town, county, year of map, and number of sheets.
i.e. Saline (Washtenaw Co.) 1927 - 4
A-B | C | D-F | G-H | I-L | M-O | P-R | S-T | U-Z
About Digital Sanborn Maps
The Sanborn Map Company, founded in 1867 by D.A. Sanborn, was the primary publisher of fire insurance maps for nearly 100 years. Access to Digital Sanborn Maps, 1867-1970 is available to authorized users at subscribing institutions only. Overall, the digital collection is comprised of 660,000 maps, which were filmed from the Library of Congress’ collection. If you are performing research at the Center for American History you may access the Digital Map Collection for Sanborn Maps of Texas. For more information about Digital Sanborn Maps you may visit the Sanborn Map website at: http://sanborn.umi.com
Copying Sanborn Maps
In accordance with the Center for American History’s Photocopying Policies, any materials larger than ledger size (11" x 17"), including original format Sanborn maps, will not be copied.
Sanborn maps are also available on black and white microfilm (CAH MF 17,549). Copies from microfilmed materials can be made by patrons at the microfilm reader-printer in the Information Area. The machine does not accept coins. UT Copycards are available for purchase at the Center. The Center for American History does not set the prices for copies at the public copier. For more information, visit the General Libraries’ Copier and Printing Services Department.
Patrons may also photograph Sanborn maps with their own cameras (no scanners) for their personal research if their cameras have been cleared for use in the Reading Room by CAH Staff. This activity will take place under the direct supervision of CAH Staff. No flashes or additional light sources may be used, and items must remain flat. The resulting images are for research only and may not be published. Patrons must complete the ITEMS PHOTOGRAPHED BY PATRONS form and should aware of copyright restrictions.