Canajoharie Library & Art Gallery

59. 1a. Sanborn Insurance Map of Canajoharie. Paper, Printed material, map. 41 x 46.4 cm. Dated May, 1879.

Sanborn maps were used by insurance agents to assess risk from fire based on building material, which was assigned a color code on each map, materials stored on site, availability of water to put out a fire and other factors all shown on these maps. Local governments and fire departments also used these maps for a variety of reasons. While some communities acquired updates each decade, the Canajoharie map appears to have been revised far less frequently.