Below is a list of historical maps that include building footprints. Some are NYC-specific while others (like the Sanborn maps) cover many cities and towns in the U.S.
**The Library of Congress** has an excellent digitized collection of Sanborn maps for many cities and towns across the United States. Large cities like NYC are especially well-represented.
Local public libraries, universities and historical societies often have their own digital collections covering the area they serve. If you can’t find a map you want through LoC, search local resources.
Sanborn maps were published as a collection of pages in a book. Each page (or plate) represents a small section of a city.
One of the first pages has a map of the full area with a guide to relevant page numbers. Use this to find the section of the city you want to view.
Large cities, like NYC, are broken up into multiple volumes that represent different neighborhoods. For example, the Jay Street Metrotech area is found in Volume 2. If you can’t find the area you want in the map overview page, you may be using the wrong volume.
**This page from the Library of Congress** gives a wonderful breakdown of how to work with the maps.
