Historical topographic map images contained in our collection. Map is not "clickable." Use the Map Image Indexes to find the map sheets you'd like to use.
Scanned and georeferenced historical or superseded topographic maps covering a large portion of North Carolina are available for free public download from the table of links below.
These maps provide valuable historical information about landscape features from the past. Map dates range from the late 1800s to the 1960s. Scales vary from 1:250,000 (15 minute coverage area) to 1:62,500 (7.5 minute coverage area). A few have even larger scales.
An original batch of maps were scanned by the NC Geologic Survey in 2005 and contributed to the NC Geospatial Data Archiving Project (NCGDAP). In 2007, more maps were loaned to NC State University Libraries for scanning by UNC Libraries Maps Collection. NC State University Libraries georeferenced all the scanned images, compressed them into JPEG 2000 format, created index files, and is hosting their online access.
Georeferencing was performed using the Georeferencing Toolbar in ArcGIS 9.1 and cordinate conversion was performed using US Army Corps of Engineers' Corpscon v. 6.0 (This link is broken. We're working on fixing it). ArcInfo workstation version 9.1 was used to rectify all the georeferenced images. The georeferenced images are projected to North Carolina Stateplane, NAD 83, Feet.
R values obtained from georeferencing varied, and some were above 30 which is quite high (low is better). Since the earliest maps were produced without the aid of airborn surveys, the horizontal accuracy is not as high as we are now accustomed, but they are "close." Other factors that degrade the horizontal accuracy are the age of the maps and stretching during storage.
For expanded information, see the September 28, 2007 News Release (This link is broken. We're working on fixing it).
Additional historic data and map sources are listed on our Historic Data and Maps webpage.
West Raleigh area showing the state fairgrounds and Meredith College before the Beltline. Map date is 1951. Image was re-sized from original.
Map Image Indexes
The following files are spatial indexes to the historical topographic maps:
Each rectangular polygon in the index files depicts a map sheet's total footprint area. Be aware that the coverage area of the actual map portion printed on each map sheet is smaller than the polygon areas, however.
The original index shapefile was created using the "Image Indexer" extension for ArcView 3.x. KML index files were created from the shapefile using ArcGIS 9.2.
All images were scanned into TIFF format and have been compressed to JPEG 2000 using GeoExpress 6.1. In order to view the images, you will need a viewer or software capable of viewing JPEG2000 images. The following are just a few known free applications (there are many available):
Below, the images labeled "Compressed, Georeferenced, Rectified" are for use with the world files in GIS software. The advantage of georeferenced images is that they can be geographically positioned and overlaid with other spatial data.
The rectification process causes pixels to shift and realign. Thus, non-georeferenced or rectified versions of the images are also provided in JPEG2000 Lossless compression, which are identical to the original scans but about half the file size of the TIFFs.
View Maps in Google Earth
The Google Earth Library(This link is broken. We're working on fixing it) contains a KML file for use with Google Earth. The KML file will open historic maps for many states and locations, including these maps for North Carolina. Look for the "Access From: G-Earth" logo and link.
Feedback and Contributions
NC State University Libraries would appreciate any feedback on whether these maps are useful to you. Also, we would like to continue adding to this collection. Please contact Data Services if you have maps we are missing or would like to provide feedback.
Map Image Links
Have trouble viewing the images? See JPEG2000 Viewing Software above.
Sheet Name
|
Edition(RePrint)
|
Notes
|
Compressed, Georeferenced, Rectified(JPG2000, ~5 MB each)
|
Lossless, Not Georeferenced/ Rectified(JPG2000, ~50 MB each)
|
Abingdon, VA |
1911(1945) |
Partial bottom cut off |
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Acme, NC |
1954 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Albemarle, NC |
1957 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Arringdale, VA |
1942 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Asheboro, NC |
1957 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Asheville, NC |
1901(1907) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Atkinson, NC |
1955 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Ayden, NC |
1902(1962) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Back Bay, VA |
1943 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Back Side of 15min Maps, |
N/A |
No World File |
C/G/R Image |
L/NR Image |
Barco, NC |
1941 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Beckford, NC |
1941 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Belhaven, NC |
1916 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Belhaven, NC |
1916(1944) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Bladenboro, NC |
1957 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Blowing Rock, NC |
1936 |
Bottom cut off |
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Bolivia, NC |
1944 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Bolton, NC |
1954 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Boydton, VA |
1955 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Boykins, VA |
1920(1942) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Burgaw, NC |
1942 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Calabash, NC |
1943 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Cape Fear, NC |
1942 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Chadbourn, NC |
1953 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Chapel Hill, NC |
1947 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Charlotte, NC |
1907 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Charlotte, NC |
1942 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Chocowinity, NC |
1903(1968) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Clarksville, VA |
1943 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Clarksville, VA |
1957 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Clifdale, NC |
1948 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Clover, SC |
1947 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Coharie, NC |
1909(1950) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Columbia, NC |
1943 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Cowee, NC |
1907(1934) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Cowpens, SC |
1959 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Cranberry, NC |
1902(1938) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Creedmoor, NC |
1943 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Critz, VA |
1926 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Critz, VA |
1928 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Dahlondega, GA |
1903(1951) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Danville, VA |
1925(1944) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Deep Run, NC |
1958 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Denton, NC |
1957 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Draper, VA |
1926(1944) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Ducktown, TN |
1943 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Ducktown Mining Dist., TN |
1909(1942) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Durham, NC |
1943 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Durham North, NC |
1951 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Durham South, NC |
1951 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Edenton, NC |
1904 |
Upper right corner torn off |
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Edenton, NC |
1942 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Elizabeth City, NC |
1948 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Elizabethtown, NC |
1955 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Ellijay, GA |
1911(1951) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Emporia, VA |
1919(1943) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Exum, NC |
1943 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Fairbluff, NC |
1962 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Falkland, NC |
1904(1973) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Fayetteville, NC |
1957 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Four Oaks, NC |
1908(1944) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Fowler Bend, NC |
1938 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Fowler Bend ? Backside, NC |
1938 |
No World File |
C/G/R Image |
L/NR Image |
Freeland, NC |
1943 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Funston, NC |
1944 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Gaffney, SC |
1909 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Gaffney, SC |
1909(1945) |
Reprint |
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Galax, VA |
1933 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Garland, NC |
1959 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Garner, NC |
1964 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Gastonia, NC |
1914(1954) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Goldsboro, NC |
1957 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Greeneville, TN |
1904(1913) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Hamlet, NC |
1949(1954) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Haw Knob, TN |
1933(1958) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Haw Knob, TN |
1937 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Hertford, NC |
1942 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Hickory, NC |
1895(1950) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Hillsville, VA |
1896(1945) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Holden Beach, NC |
1944 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Holland, VA |
1920 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Holland, VA |
1957 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Honey Island, NC |
1944 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Hopkins, SC |
1948 |
Located in mid SC |
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Independence, VA |
1933(1944) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Index to Topographic Maps of North Carolina, NC |
1980 |
Statewide Index Map |
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Inman, SC |
1961 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Jackson Springs, NC |
1957 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Jacksonville, NC |
1943 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Juniper Creek, NC |
1943 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Kenansville, NC |
1948 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Kenly, NC |
1902(?) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Kings Mountain, NC |
1906(1970) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Kings Mountain, NC |
1908 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Kinston, NC |
1914(1954) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Kitty Hawk, NC |
1942 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Knoxville, TN |
1901(1915) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Lake Drummond, VA |
1945 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Lake Lure, NC |
1959 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Laurinburg, NC |
1949 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Lenoir, NC |
1956 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Lewis Swamp, NC |
1944 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Lincolnton, NC |
1909(1968) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Lincolnton, NC |
1911(1944) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Linville, NC |
1944 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Linville Falls, NC |
1956 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Lockwoods Folly, NC |
1944 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Maple Hill, NC |
1943 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Marion, NC |
1962(1972) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Martinsville, VA |
1926 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Maysville, NC |
1948 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Milton, NC |
1956 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Monroe, NC |
1942 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Morganton, NC |
1905(1927) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Mount Airy, NC |
1957 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Mount Mitchell, NC |
1902(1932) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Mount Pleasant, NC |
1957 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Mouth Of Wilson, VA |
1940 |
Map only includes Virginia portion |
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Moyock, NC |
1939(1959) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Mt Guyot, NC |
1893(1906) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Murphy, NC |
1914(1927) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Nakina, NC |
1943 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Nantahala, NC |
1906(1924) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
New Bern, NC |
1901(1961) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
New River, NC |
1948 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Old Dock, NC |
1943 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Oxford, NC |
1943 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Pages Mill, NC |
1943 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Parmele, NC |
1901(1971) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Pireway, NC |
1943 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Pisgah, NC |
1892 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Pisgah, NC |
1905(1956) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Plymouth, NC |
1943 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Powells Point, NC |
1942 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Raleigh, NC |
1951(1967) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Richlands, NC |
1943 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Rock Hill, SC |
1949 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Rockingham, NC |
1942 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Rocky Mount, NC |
1904 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Rocky Point, NC |
1947 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Rose Hill, NC |
1962 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Roseboro, NC |
1959 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Roxboro, NC |
1943(1962) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Saint Pauls, NC |
1959 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Saluda, NC |
1889(1899) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Saluda, NC |
1907(1942) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Selma, NC |
1964 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Seven Springs, NC |
1957 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Shallotte, NC |
1944 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Shelby, NC |
1950 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
South Boston, VA |
1957 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
South Hill, VA |
1955 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
South Mills, NC |
1940 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Southern Pines, NC |
1957 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Spicer Bay, NC |
1942 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Spring Hope, NC |
1902(1965) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Statesville, NC |
1893(1934) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Stuart, VA |
1928(1965) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Suffolk, VA |
1954(1967) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Supply, NC |
1944 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Swansboro, NC |
1948 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Tabor City, NC |
1962 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Tarboro, NC |
1902(1968) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Tellico, TN |
1943 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Tigerville, SC |
1959(1973) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Topsail, NC |
1948 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Trent River, NC |
1903(1975) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Troy, NC |
1957(1967) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Vanceboro, NC |
1902(1968) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Wade Point, NC |
1940 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Wadesboro, NC |
1948 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Walhalla, GA |
1892(1951) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Wayah Bald, NC |
1942 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
White Plains, VA |
1920(1944) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Whitelake, NC |
1954 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Whiteville, NC |
1955 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Wilkesboro, NC |
1891(1940) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Williamston, NC |
1901(1972) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Wilmington, NC |
1940 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Wilson, NC |
1904 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Winnabow, NC |
1944 |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Winterville, NC |
1903(1954) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Winton, NC |
1908(1973) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Wytheville, VA |
1892(1945) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |
Yadkinville, NC |
1891(1964) |
|
C/G/R ImageWorld File |
L/NG Image |