Présentation de l'éditeur
Look at a map and you’ll get a real understanding of migration routes and patterns. Clearly, the easiest routes were along coasts or down rivers. Pull out a present-day atlas, and try to imagine it without roads. You’ll quickly see how your ancestors traveled, and why they ended up in certain locales. If you ever “lose” a generation, you can use maps to help speculate on a possible new home.
Old maps show old place names. Although your ancestor may have lived in the same location for generations, the name of the place and the county in which it was located may have changed numerous times. It’s possible that your search for the family who didn’t move, may lead you to more county courthouses than tracing the ones who migrated with every generation.
If you just want an idea of the geography of your ancestor’s surroundings, a period map will probably help more than a visit. Thanks to modern engineering and Mother Nature, the topography of a place may have changed so much that your ancestor wouldn’t recognize his favorite fishing hole. Period maps will depict the landscape as it was, including the rivers your family forded and the forests they helped clear
Please note, this is a how-to "no fluff" guide to using maps in genealogy, not a book-length manuscript.
Old maps show old place names. Although your ancestor may have lived in the same location for generations, the name of the place and the county in which it was located may have changed numerous times. It’s possible that your search for the family who didn’t move, may lead you to more county courthouses than tracing the ones who migrated with every generation.
If you just want an idea of the geography of your ancestor’s surroundings, a period map will probably help more than a visit. Thanks to modern engineering and Mother Nature, the topography of a place may have changed so much that your ancestor wouldn’t recognize his favorite fishing hole. Period maps will depict the landscape as it was, including the rivers your family forded and the forests they helped clear
Please note, this is a how-to "no fluff" guide to using maps in genealogy, not a book-length manuscript.
