Homestead Hunting

[MoonWalkThePlank]

Hey guys, I was hoping to get a couple of tips or techniques for discovering homesteads. Is there one centralized database for the homesteads in a state?

 

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[allen]

look at old maps of your town,
ask the older generation and
lots of research.
good luck !!

 

[briankb70]

welcome to tnet

 

[Con]

Welcome to Tnet and follow advice these folks know their stuff

 

[DFX DAVE in M.D.]

I am doing some old homestead hunting today by hiking in the woods. In fall and winter you can see further in the woods. Look out for the hunters though. I keep looking at Google Earth Search, but we have too many trees to get a good view of the ground here.

 

[Monty]

I have driven the back roads and looked for old fallen down buildings and evidence of cellars. I have found dozens, but the hard part is finding the owners. Monty

 

[ggossage]

http://metaldetectingworld.com/how_to_research_p1.shtml

http://metaldetectingworld.com/how_to_research_p2.shtml

 

[skatergod6262]

if you see some store bought flowers planted in the middle of the woods thats a clue someone along time ago planted those so maybe you got a old homestead that was there on your hands, HH.

 

[Swartzie]

See if your county has has GIS website. On the website they may have scans of old tax maps and such. They will also have modern tax maps which may show old lots. You should be able to google your county's GIS website. I believe GIS=Geographical Information System. It's where all the tax maps are stored in digital format. Also, try looking for old topo maps online. I was fortunate enough to find old topo maps (early 1900's) of my area which show where houses stood. If you see a house on the topo that you know now is just a wooded area then bingo you've got a possible hunting place.

Good Luck.
-Swartzie

 

[maceman66]

Use the local library, its a wonderful wealth of info!! Look at old maps and read old newpapers about the local gatherings, etc and take lots of notes for further reference!! Good luck!!

 

[muleskinner]

It's been my experience that there is no better research then boot prints in the woods. You will gain a knack for finding new places.