View Historical County Boundaries in Google Maps

AndyHall

Colonel
Joined
Dec 13, 2011
Counties.jpg

(Counties at the time of the 1860 U.S. Census)


https://www.randymajors.com/p/maps.html?fbclid=IwAR2301sA_TNvYrbtcWlXTBCAivTKijpVlH-QkY1LJyRZyX47dw5eMh1QukQ

County boundaries change over time and this tool built on Google Maps will help you make sure you're searching in the correct county for the place and historical years you're researching.

QUICK TIPS FOR USING THIS TOOL:
  1. Type any PRESENT-day place or address in the "Search places" box above the map*
    OR: Zoom into your place of interest on the map
  2. Type any HISTORIC date or year in the "As of date" box and click Go! The date must be in the format M/D/YYYY or can be just a 4-digit year.
    Historical county boundaries will draw, and an information pane about the county of interest will appear at the bottom of the map. The information pane lists the historical county name at the red dot, and provides details on the latest boundary change as of the date you typed, including reference to the particular statute that triggered the change. The latitude and longitude for the red dot is also displayed.**
  3. NEW! Check the "Show labels..." checkbox in the lower left corner of the map to see the names of the counties on the map
  4. Optionally, check the "Show chronology..." checkbox in the lower left corner of the map to see a complete listing of every county boundary change for your chosen location from the date you typed back in time to original county formation
  5. Click the "⊕ Locate" button in the upper right corner of the map to use your current location***
  6. Subscribe in the top header to receive notification of tool updates and usage tips
* You can also type in GPS coordinates in decimal degrees into the Search places box. For example, type -105.25, 40 for Boulder, Colorado.
** All information is reported based on the location of the red dot on the maps; to move the red dot, click the map

*** The "Locate" button will be more accurate on smartphones and other devices containing a GPS; desktop browsers typically show an approximate location
 
Thanks Andy. This can be a useful tool for those tracking their ancestors. I have located family land records all the way back to 1765 in North and South Carolina, Mississippi, and Texas but most of the locations are no longer in the same county today as they were when recorded. It makes a difference where you search.
 
View attachment 319762
(Counties at the time of the 1860 U.S. Census)


https://www.randymajors.com/p/maps.html?fbclid=IwAR2301sA_TNvYrbtcWlXTBCAivTKijpVlH-QkY1LJyRZyX47dw5eMh1QukQ

County boundaries change over time and this tool built on Google Maps will help you make sure you're searching in the correct county for the place and historical years you're researching.

QUICK TIPS FOR USING THIS TOOL:
  1. Type any PRESENT-day place or address in the "Search places" box above the map*
    OR: Zoom into your place of interest on the map
  2. Type any HISTORIC date or year in the "As of date" box and click Go! The date must be in the format M/D/YYYY or can be just a 4-digit year.
    Historical county boundaries will draw, and an information pane about the county of interest will appear at the bottom of the map. The information pane lists the historical county name at the red dot, and provides details on the latest boundary change as of the date you typed, including reference to the particular statute that triggered the change. The latitude and longitude for the red dot is also displayed.**
  3. NEW! Check the "Show labels..." checkbox in the lower left corner of the map to see the names of the counties on the map
  4. Optionally, check the "Show chronology..." checkbox in the lower left corner of the map to see a complete listing of every county boundary change for your chosen location from the date you typed back in time to original county formation
  5. Click the "⊕ Locate" button in the upper right corner of the map to use your current location***
  6. Subscribe in the top header to receive notification of tool updates and usage tips
* You can also type in GPS coordinates in decimal degrees into the Search places box. For example, type -105.25, 40 for Boulder, Colorado.
** All information is reported based on the location of the red dot on the maps; to move the red dot, click the map

*** The "Locate" button will be more accurate on smartphones and other devices containing a GPS; desktop browsers typically show an approximate location
Fantastic Andy, thanks
 
Thanks for sharing this as it will help me out with my CW site research.
 
Little late in seeing this--been crazy busy this week--but this is a wonderful resource. Thanks so much for bringing it to our attention! :smile:
 
Hello Andy
Can you tell me how to use this program to determine where these people lived in 1870 please

Brocket, Thomas CHIMNEY ROCK TWP 023
Brockitt, Benjamin GOLDEN VALLEY TWP 080
 
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