Maps

Spanning some 175 years, the Garland County Historical Society map collection offers a unique insight into the history of our county. Whether you are interested in land claims and other transactions, geological and topographical features, city streets and buildings, county polling places, railroad routes, or geographical data such as population statistics, you are certain to find pertinent maps (some in digital format) to launch your personal exploration of Garland County history. Here are some of the compelling documents on file at the historical society:

A micromedia collection of a survey notebooks and maps created by the Hot Springs Commission from 1877-1879 to assist in settling claims on Hot Springs Reservation, redrawing the reservation boundaries, and selling unwanted lots within the old reservation boundaries. Structures such as African America hospitals and churches, homes of rich and poor citizens alike, old and new streets—all are represented in the detailed survey notebooks.

Two 1859 maps created by Arkansas State Geologist David Dale Owen locating the “Hot Springs of the Washita” and the early hotels and bathhouses that were already receiving visitors from all over the world. Owen also included such scientific data as temperature and flow of each spring, along with topography of the surrounding area.

A partial set of Sanborn-Perris Fire Insurance maps covering Hot Springs fire districts from 1915 through 1955. These full-color maps show floor plans and construction materials for larger buildings. Maps from 1886 to 1942 (not inclusive) are available on microfilm.

Early maps detailing county sections and townships—Hale, Cedar Grove, Buckville, Sulphur, and Antioch, to name a few. Many of these have been completely or partially inundated by lakes on the Ouachita River.

Hot Springs city maps from the 1930s to the present day.

Visit us today, and let our knowledgeable staff guide you through the map collections.