Dollarhide's census maps are the best source. Check your local library for the book if you don't have it on your self. The old Handybook for Genealogists by Everton is a great starting tool too. It shows the counties in each state, tells what counties they were created from & when & briefly lists what dates the records cover. There are also programs for your computer which will print the maps with where you ancestor resided when you place them on the map. Might look for one of those. Linda