1930s government project - aerial photographs of theUS

[DCMatt]

1930's government project - aerial photographs of theUS

A recently retired colleague of mine used to work at the National Archives in Washington DC. He once mentioned a government sponsored project in the late 1930's to photograph the US from the air and make detailed maps. He said the photos are in the archive.

Anybody know anything else about this? Sadly, I don't know how to get in touch with the guy anymore...

DCMatt

 

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[gldhntr]

Re: 1930's government project - aerial photographs of theUS

try asking the source at... www.nara.gov

 

[cryptodave]

Re: 1930's government project - aerial photographs of theUS

Matt,

I use those photos for research all the time, I believe the ones I always get were taken 1938.... I usully get a copy of the '38 and the '81 and compare to see where possible home sites were.
Try your local soil and water conservation department, that is where mine are kept. If not there, try calling the zoning and permits department at your local government center.

 

[DCMatt]

Re: 1930's government project - aerial photographs of theUS

I emailed the carto/photo guys at NARA. We'll see what they say.

It's actually easier for me to get to the National Archives than to try to find the right people in my local government.

DCMatt

 

[DCMatt]

Re: 1930's government project - aerial photographs of theUS

I got a reply from the NARA carto guys. They say they have most of the US from the air taken from the 30's to the 50's. Prints usually run in the $30 range.

I requested information on a place in rural central California. The picture would have to be VERY detailed for me to buy it, though.

I'll let you know what they say.

DCMatt

 

[cryptodave]

Re: 1930's government project - aerial photographs of theUS

Soil and Conservation is F R E E.