Abstract:
The Sanborn Map Company began creating urbanized area maps in 1867 for the purpose of assessing buildings' fire liability. The maps contain a tremendous amount of information for historians, genealogists, urban planners and others. For example, building height, construction material, wall thickness, occupant and street names are but a few of the details. Andrews discusses the UNC-CH website Going to the Show for the maps and points out the benefits of its use and some weaknesses.