You can find maps of old railways online at the Library of Congress website.
As the United States has grown and technologies have changed, rail lines have been abandoned and torn up, to be replaced by roadways. According to the Library of Congress, old railroad maps are "an important historical record" that depict how travel and settlement happened throughout the United States. A wide variety of resources for obtaining maps of old railroad lines exist for the average person, from viewing them online to purchasing antique railway maps.
Instructions
1. Search the Library of Congress archives. The Library of Congress maintains a searchable online database of thousands of railroad maps dating from 1828 to 1900. This collection includes railroad line maps, general maps depicting railroad lines, and right-of-way surveys. Collectors may order reproductions of the maps directly from the Library of Congress website.
2. Contact the National Railway Historical Society. The society maintains a library with antique railroad line maps, among other information on the history of U.S. railroads. The library does not circulate materials, however, it will make photocopies of the collection on request.
3. Purchase maps from an antiquarian mapseller. The International Antiquarian Mapsellers Association (IAMA) maintains a directory of retailers of old maps that you may contact to purchase a railway map. Additionally, the IAMA has an online database of maps available for purchase that you can search for railway or railroad oriented maps.
4. Go to the Miami International Map Fair. In January or February, the Miami Historical Society holds one of the largest antique map fairs in the world. Hundreds of map dealers and thousands of cartography enthusiasts attend the fair each year. With hundreds of thousands of antique maps on-site, you will likely be able to find railroad maps from all over the United States.
Tags: Library Congress, railroad maps, United States, Congress website, Historical Society, Library Congress website
