Take Me Back To Tulsa (Sanborn Style)

Tulsa, Oklahoma, has a rich history that comes to life when framed in the intricate style of the old Sanborn fire insurance maps. These maps, created from the late 19th century into the mid-20th century, were originally designed for a highly functional purpose: to help insurance companies assess fire risk. Yet, despite their practical roots, they remain marvels of visual design and urban storytelling.

The hallmark of the Sanborn style lies in its careful attention to detail and visual hierarchy. Streets, building footprints, and property lines were meticulously rendered, often color-coded to indicate materials like brick, stone, or wood. Decorative elements were never frivolous; they served to guide the viewer’s eye and communicate key information quickly. In creating a visual design inspired by this style for Tulsa, we can mirror those qualities—layering the city’s neighborhoods, landmarks, and riverfront in a way that’s both informative and aesthetically compelling.

Tulsa, Oklahoma Sanborn Style ©2025 Eric Wells Hatheway

One of the most enchanting aspects of the Sanborn maps was their city name illustrations. Often drawn in elaborate, ornamental typefaces, these titles didn’t just label a city—they announced it. The typography itself became an emblem of the city’s identity, anchoring the composition and establishing a visual sense of place. For Tulsa, an homage in this style would allow the name to take center stage, perhaps with lettering echoing the Art Deco heritage that still resonates throughout the city’s historic downtown.

By reviving these design elements, a visual map of Tulsa can become both a work of art and a storytelling tool, capturing the spirit of a city while nodding to the functional beauty of the original Sanborn maps. It is a fusion of history and creativity, where the city’s name and layout once again become inseparable.