In 1867, the Sanborn Map Company of Pelham, New York, began creating maps to assist fire insurance agents in assessing the fire hazards of particular pieces of property in towns and cities throughout the United States. The maps indicate the size, shape, and construction materials of residences, commercial properties and factories and often include such details as building use, house and block numbers, widths of streets and locations of water mains. In addition to their detail, the Sanborn maps were regularly updated, in some cases up until the 1970s, making them a valuable tool for documenting the changes in structure and building use in American cities.

Search for non-Arizona states in library catalog.

Index of Arizona Sanborn Maps (pdf)