Digital Sanborn Maps (1867-1970) delivers detailed property and land-use records that depict the grid of everyday life and illustrate urban change in American cities. Explore Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia fire insurance maps from 1867-1970.
Founded in 1867 by D. A. Sanborn, the Sanborn Map Company was the primary American publisher of fire insurance maps for nearly 100 years, repeatedly mapping towns and cities as they changed. The maps provide a wealth of information, such as building outline, size and shape, windows and doors, street and sidewalk widths, boundaries, and property numbers. Plans often include details on construction materials and building use; and also depict pipelines, railroads, wells, water mains, dumps, and other features likely to affect the property's vulnerability to earthquake, fire, and flood.
