The New York Public Library has digitally released more than 20,000 historic maps for free use:
Containing maps from the 16th through to the early 20th century, the collection focuses mainly on the United States, particularly New York, but also features maps from other countries. The images of Manhattan and surrounding boroughs offer a fascinating snapshot of the development of one of the most densely populated areas in the world. The maps can be viewed through the New York Public Library’s Digital Collections page, and downloaded, through the Map Warper – a wonderful project which aims to make historic maps viewable as overlays on modern maps.
Aaron Reiss elaborates:
Maps like these can be used to help historians visualize phenomena that have shaped the city. For example, they show how ethnic enclaves shifted as Italian, Jewish, and Chinese immigrants traded places in lower Manhattan or how Manhattan’s shoreline has grown outward, as a result of infill and real-estate speculation, creating new parts of the city where before there was only water.
(Images: New York City, Zoning, 1915; and Map of the City of New York, showing its political divisions and subdivisions, 1870)
The Dish 