Maps and Land Records are my favorite records to search. Since I had many ancestors that lived in Baltimore City, Maryland, city directories are invaluable for me as well.
If you are researching in the state of Maryland, you may not be aware that there are several on-line resources (mostly free) for Maryland. This list is not all inclusive, but a list of my favorite and most helpful resources.
https://mdlandrec.net – Maryland Land Records
All land records are available with a free account. There is a learning curve.
**Once you get your account and log in, be sure to read the “Help” menu for hints on using the system.
http://planning.maryland.gov/finderOnline/finderonline.html – FINDER Online
Web based GIS system hosted by the Maryland Department of Planning. Provides property maps and parcel information. Also links to the Real Property Data Search (below).
http://sdat.dat.maryland.gov/RealProperty/Pages/default.aspx – Real Property Data Search
Provides current property information from the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. Very helpful when tracing a property backwards from the present day.
**Read the “Guide to searching the database”
plats.net – Digital Image Reference System for Land Survey, Subdivision, and Condominium Plats
Access to various plats (many times referenced in deeds from Maryland Land Records.
**Read the “Beginners Guide”
http://mdhistory.net/msaref07/html/index.html – Papenfuse Map Collection
http://www.prattlibrary.org/research/database/ – Enoch Pratt databases
An Enoch Pratt library card is required for access to Sanborn maps through ProQuest.
https://www.fold3.com/browse/232/hdGkjD9D9 – Fold3.com Baltimore City Directories
Requires a fold3.com account. (If you do not have an account, be sure to check your library or society to see if they have institutional access.)
http://baltimorecityhistory.net/baltimore-city-directories/ – Baltimore City Archives listing of Baltimore City Directories (electronic or otherwise).
http://publications.newberry.org/ahcbp/ – Newberry Library Atlas of Historical County Boundaries
**Unfortunately the interactive maps are currently unavailable but the site does have a downloadable KMZ file that can be used with Google Maps and Google Earth.
As always, please be sure to read the copyright information for usage restrictions. If you find a resource particularly helpful, also look for a “Donate” button. This helps get more of these great resources on-line.
Aunt Barb's Papers 