Places, Towns, and Villages in Virginia

Gloucester County and York County date back to the mid-17th century. They are separated by the York River which empties into the Chesapeake Bay. This detailed map of York County  was published in Rand McNally Atlas 1911.

The genealogist engaged in “reasonably exhaustive research”* will include historic and modern maps, atlases, and gazetteers. Places that once flourished might no longer exist. Confirming geographic proximity can buoy a theory that individuals shared relationships of kin, law, or commerce. An individual who lived in one place can be distinguished from a same-named individual who lives elsewhere. Spellings change over time.

My reference collection includes print and online sources. The list below includes selected items, some of which are in the public domain and available at Internet Archive, HathiTrust, and GoogleBooks:

• Henry Gannett. A Gazetteer of Virginia and West Virginia (1850)
• Joseph Martin. A New and Comprehensive Gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia (1835)
• Emily A. Salmon. The Hornbook of Virginia History: A Ready Reference Guide to the Old Dominion’s People, Places, and Past, 4th Ed. (Richmond: Library of Virginia, 1994)
• Virginia Places
• Historical Maps of Virginia
• Library of Congress: Cities and Towns
• Library of Congress: Civil War Maps 
• David Rumsey Map Collection
• United States Official Postal Guide, 1882
  This publisher’s website ArchiveCDBooksUSA.com lists partner sites from which the CD can be purchased.

*Elizabeth Shown Mills. “Reasonably Exhaustive Research,” Evidence Explained (blog) https://www.evidenceexplained.com/quicktips/reasonably-exhaustive-research-0, accessed October 18, 2020.