Nothing is more frustrating than discovering the address where an ancestor lived, but not being able to locate it on a map. It’s not just a modern problem with new subdivisions and the joining of towns under a single name or changing of town names. This old clipping from the Ottawa Citizen in April 1933 is a reminder.

What to do?

Place name gazetteers are a big help. Many will point out historical names no longer in use.

For unfamiliar names, you can find a location easily thanks to the links provided by McMasters University Libraries website.

For general information, and some specific Canadian historical place name gazetteers, the FamilySearch wiki is helpful.

A Scotland gazetteer website provides names as well as info on clans and historical events.