Map and Records Preservation Project

The King County Road Services Division has embarked on a project to preserve and stabilize historic road maps and road-related documents dating back to the late 1800's. Most of these maps have been rolled and handled in a less than gentle manner. This project, with limited annual funding, provides for the maps to receive a preservation and stabilization treatment. The maps are then encased in clear mylar jackets and stored in a flat position. The next step is to electronically scan the maps with image and data about each map placed in a data base. The final step is to send the maps to King County Archives where they are stored in a climate controlled and safe environment. In the future, access to the maps will be made electronically by retrieving the scanned image and related data.

By the end of 2002, approximately 12,000 of the 15-18,000 maps have had preservation treatment, but few images have been scanned. The supporting documentation for each map including the survey and road establishment data has yet to receive preservation treatment.

The long range goal is to have these maps accessible on-line. At this point, a projected target date for accomplishing this has not been established. Meanwhile, check out this sample map: State Aid Road No. 4 Extension (.pdf, 102KB); approved by King County Road Engineer J. R. Morrison,June 8, 1909 Kirkland area on Lake Washingon

Other King County maps

King County Flood Control Map from 1939 King County Road Engineer's Annual Report
View (.pdf, 62KB) | Print (.pdf, 62KB)

Map and Records Preservation Project

Other King County maps

Other Historic Map Links