County Archives Celebrate American Archives Month

October marks American Archives Month and the County of San Diego, along with the Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk (ARCC) East County Branch Office and Archives located in Santee, are joining in the celebration.

Throughout American Archives Month, repositories across the nation emphasize the significance of records with enduring value. These valuable documents encompass maps, deeds, historical birth, marriage and death certificates, as well as various official records dating back to 1850.

For preservation purposes, microfilm stands as the preferred format, boasting an impressive shelf-life of approximately 500 years when stored under suitable conditions. Currently, the ARCC’s collection has a substantial 51,622 microfilm rolls.

To commemorate the month, ARCC’s expert archivists who manage the central repository and facilitate public access to invaluable historical records cordially extends and invitation for you to come and explore the facilities.

You can engage in research and peruse publicly accessible documents, either through digital means or by arranging an appointment, contingent on the documents’ physical condition.

ARCC has two big events taking place on Wednesday, Oct. 25 that all are welcome to join that include a “Reading Room Naming” ribbon-cutting ceremony and an “Open House” where people can drop by to view a small exhibit, ask questions, or participate in scheduled tours.

For more information about the County’s ARCC’s office and the upcoming events, visit their website at www.sdarcc.gov.

Below is a collection of historical maps available for viewing upon your visit to ARCC’s office.

Subdivision Map No. 380 – Official map of the Pueblo Lands of San Diego compiled from all the existing authorities and embracing the lots conveyed by the City Trustees to the San Diego and Gila Railroad Co. by authority of an act of the State Legislature, approved April 30, 1855, under the direction of the Board of Trustees for the years 1855 and 1856. Map drawn by Charles H. Poole, dated 1856. Filed with the County Recorder on March 4, 1872.

Subdivision Map No. 373 – Front Elevation, Hotel Josephine, Coronado Beach. Map drawn by Reid Bros., Architects. Filed with the County Recorder on July 9, 1887.

Subdivision Map No. 383 – Map of Middletown surveyed under an order from the District Court of the 17th Judicial District dated April 15, 1869, by James Pascoe, County Surveyor.

Subdivision Map No. 369 – Map of Horton's Addition to San Diego, drawn by James Pascoe in October 1868.