MAPS
Maps for Research
Maps are an incredibly useful tool for genealogy and local history researchers. They can show insights into how people lived that are not readily apparent through other documentary sources and provide a useful snapshot of how a place was at a specific point in time.
Unexpected information maps can show you:
- a river that has changed its course
- the expansion of a city over time
- street name changes or address number changes
- building expansions or demolitions over time
- what properties are located under coal mines
Local Maps at BPL
The Bellaire Public Library has maps, both modern and historic to help you with your research, including:
- Sanborn maps
- Coal Mining maps
- County Atlases
- Plat maps
- Topographical maps
Just getting started searching maps?
Try this guide book:
Online Map Access
Sanborn Insurance Maps
Sanborn Index pages, like this one from the 1924 set, show you what pages different areas of the town will be featured on further maps.
Founded in 1867, the Sanborn Fire Insurance maps were produced nationwide for insurance agents to use in quoting fire insurance policies. However, today, the maps are used by researches to glean kinds of useful research information about buildings, such as:
- building use, height, number of stories, and material types
- historic street names and numbers
- placement of gas lines and sewer line
Where to access Sanborn Maps online
Library of Congress
No library card needed to access the Library of Congress Sanborn Maps.
Full color Sanborn maps from Bellaire, Ohio from 1884-1924 are available online through the Library of Congress.
Having access to color copies of the maps gives researchers access to additional information about the types of building materials used in construction.
Ohio Web Library (OWL)
NOTE: A valid BPL or SEO affiliate library card is needed to access the OWL Sanborn Maps.
The Sanborn Maps available through the Ohio Web Library are black and white copies only. However, maps for Bellaire span from 1884 up to 1950 in some instances, giving researchers a large time span to search.
A library card is needed to access this collection.
