An excellent map of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, 1636–65, makes clear the location and dates of purchase for all of the early settlements. Land disputes and dates of boundaries of resolution are included. A copy can be found in James Truslow Adams, ed., Atlas of American History (New York, N.Y.: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1943). Two other excellent published map resources are John Hutchins Cady, Rhode Island Boundaries, 1636–1936 (Providence, R.I.: State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, 1936), and Marion I. Wright and Robert J. Sullivan, Rhode Island Atlas (Providence, R.I.: Rhode Island Publications Society, 1982).
Perhaps the largest collection of maps in the state can be found at the Rhode Island Historical Society, although some of these are on microfilm through the FHL. Among the more relevant to genealogical research are the Wallings Series and the Beers' Atlas of 1870, the first one produced for the state. Over 200 categories of maps are listed in the checklist. Town offices usually have lot maps, although no statewide survey exists.
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Other Map Links: Census Maps -
Links to rotating animated maps showing all the county boundaries for each census year overlayed with past and present maps so you can see the changes in county boundaries County Maps -
Links to rotating animated maps showing all the county boundary changes for each year overlayed with past and present maps so you can see the changes in county boundaries and State Department of Transportation Maps Genealogy Atlas -
Have images of old American atlases during the years 1795, 1814, 1822, 1823, 1836, 1838, 1845, 1856, 1866, 1879 and 1897
