Where do you go to research information when county / city names have changed?

Question

I've been looking at some timelines to try and find some more information; however, how do you research information when the county or city name was not established at the time the person was born / died?  If I were to look up this information physically, who would have this information archived? The current county or at the state level?

Answer 1

If you are in the United States, you might want to start here https://publications.newberry.org/ahcbp/

historical place names can be found in several places. Try the FamilySearch wiki or us genweb 

Answer 2

I had this problem back in the 1980s (pre internet).  My ancestor was born in what is now Fulton County, Pennsylvania.  But at the time of birth the area was in Bedford County.  To be sure you get all the records for your ancestor, you need to check both.  This goes the same for church records.  If the wife attended church A and the husband attended church B, The actual marriage should be registered where the marriage took place, but it may also be in the other one -sometimes with more information listed.

FYI, when you request a record from an agency (county or state) many times they will only look based on what  information you provide. In other words, if I write to the state of Pennsylvania for a birth record in Fulton county-they will only look in Fulton county -not Bedford county.  Some clerks will take the extra time to look, but don't expect them to.

Answer 3

I have found this program very helpful: AniMap by "The Gold Bug". Search for it on your browser. There's a tutorial that will help you see if it's what you're looking for.