Archives Unbound:
Business and Economic History

Archives Unbound: Business and Economic History

Covering topics such as commerce and trade, finance and economy, industrial history, and organized labor, these collections feature business history around the world. Whether it is commercial relations between Japan and the United States, labor equality in household work, Black economic empowerment, or the economy of the Third Reich, students and researchers will find a wealth of information.

City and Business Directories

City and Business Directories: Alabama, 1837-1929

City and Business Directories: Arkansas, 1871-1929

City and Business Directories: Florida, 1882-1929

City and Business Directories: Louisiana, 1805-1929

City and Business Directories: Maryland, 1752-1929

City and Business Directories: Mississippi, 1860-1929

City and Business Directories: North Carolina, 1886-1929

City and Business Directories: Tennessee, 1849-1929

City and Business Directories: Virginia, 1801-1929

City and Business Directories: West Virginia, 1839-1929

City directories are among the most comprehensive sources of historical and personal information available. Their emphasis on ordinary people and the common-place event make them important in the study of American history and culture. One of the few means available for researchers to uncover information on specific individuals, these directories provides such information as:

• Addresses
• City and county officers
• Heads of families, firms, and names of those doing business in the city
• Lists of city residents
• Occupations
• Street Directories

In addition, researchers can learn much about day-to-day life through analysis of information on churches, public and private schools, benevolent, literary and other associations, and banks. Finally, most directories include advertising, often illustrating the products being sold. This information lends valuable insight into the city’s lifestyles and illustrates popular trends.