Kroll Maps: A Look at Seattle’s Past
Kroll Maps, also known as Kroll Real Estate Reference Atlases, offer a unique window into Seattle’s urban development. These atlases, published over several decades, meticulously documented property ownership, street layouts, and building footprints, providing invaluable historical data for researchers, historians, and property owners. They provide a snapshot of Seattle’s evolution.
What are Kroll Maps?
Kroll Maps were a series of detailed real estate atlases published for various cities, including Seattle. They were designed to be comprehensive records of property information, far exceeding the detail available on standard city maps. Each atlas volume covered specific geographic areas, detailing block-by-block ownership, building construction materials, and even the presence of utilities. Think of them as the “Google Maps” of their time, but focused specifically on real estate.
What Information Can You Find in a Kroll Map?
The wealth of information contained in Kroll Maps is impressive. You can typically find:
- Property Ownership: The name of the property owner is often noted, allowing researchers to track ownership changes over time.
- Building Footprints and Materials: The shape and size of buildings are depicted, often with notations about the building’s construction material (e.g., brick, wood frame).
- Street Layouts and Addresses: The historical street network and addresses are shown, which can be useful for understanding how neighborhoods have changed.
- Utilities and Infrastructure: The presence of features like fire hydrants, sewers, and power lines are sometimes indicated.
- Parcel Boundaries: Clearly defined property lines are shown for each parcel.
Why Are Kroll Maps Important?
Kroll Maps are essential resources for a variety of purposes. Historians use them to study urban development patterns and land use changes. Genealogists may find them helpful for tracing family history and property ownership. Seattle city planners and developers consult them to understand the historical context of properties. Property owners might use them to research the history of their land and buildings.
Where Can You Find Kroll Maps of Seattle?
Finding Kroll Maps of Seattle can require some searching. Many libraries and historical societies hold copies of these atlases. The University of Washington Libraries, the Seattle Public Library, and local historical organizations are good places to start your search. Online databases and archives are also beginning to digitize these maps, making them more accessible to the public. Keep in mind that some of these resources may require on-site access or subscription fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What years do the Kroll Maps of Seattle cover?
The specific years covered vary, but the atlases were generally published from the early to mid-20th century.
Are Kroll Maps available online?
Some are, but not all. Check the websites of the University of Washington Libraries, Seattle Public Library, and other historical archives for digitized versions.
How accurate are Kroll Maps?
While generally accurate for their time, Kroll Maps should be considered historical documents. Street names, property lines, and building layouts may have changed since the maps were created.
Are Sanborn Maps the same as Kroll Maps?
No, Sanborn Maps were primarily used for assessing fire insurance risk, while Kroll Maps focused on real estate ownership and property details. While similar in format, their purpose was different.
Can I use Kroll Maps to determine current property boundaries?
No, you should always consult official county records and surveys for current property boundaries.
Summary
Kroll Maps of Seattle are historical real estate atlases offering detailed information about property ownership, building footprints, and street layouts in the city during the early to mid-20th century. They are valuable resources for researchers, historians, genealogists, and property owners interested in understanding Seattle’s urban development and property history.
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