Historic Land Tract Mapping

Starting with as little as a name in some cases, our expert researchers can begin with county or city deed records that simply refer to a parcel of land in metes and bounds language (i.e., "Starting at a Cherry Tree, thence W 79 N 120 chains, 1 pole, 3 links") and ultimately overlay the tract on the modern landscape with significant accuracy.

To make this result possible, we bring to bear a number of resources including interviews with local residents, historic maps and documents, satellite and aerial imagery, and state of the art GPS (global position system) and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) mapping software. Historical maps, plats, and photos can be invaluable resources for identifying obsolete names of roads, streams, and other features.

The end result is a USGS Topographic Quadrangle Map or aerial photograph hat shows the approximate boundaries and area of the subject property. Not only does this service provide an excellent context for an ancestor's life, but it can often help identify the location of previously unknown family houses and grave sites.

Click here for a portfolio of representative historic land tract mapping projects completed by HistoryTech