December 13, 2014

The Sanborn Overlays – Introduction

Sanborn Insurance maps were developed between 1867 and 2007 to assist insurance companies in assessing the risk of fire. They contain detailed information about every building and space and associated infrastructure and are an invaluable tool for researchers. Each year’s set of maps featured two or more pages. Sanborn maps came in both black and…

The Sanborn overlays: Olympia in 1891

The pace of Olympia’s growth accelerated with the introduction of a railroad line and statehood. Business was booming in 1891: a close look at the maps shows the erection of many fine masonry or brick buildings downtown, as well as factories and homes extending up to what is now Capitol Campus. Many of these still…