I used to go to a local library with a large case of USGS maps. Some were historic (I presume reprints). When the land was sparse often every farm house was shown. It was interesting to see the old road network and density of structures, before the modern sprawl and roads were built.
I have lived long enough in my area and have seen a lot. My immediate area is suburban blending into rural, and was mostly developed except for some farms and woodlots. Yet in the past decade many of the empty woodlots and farm fields have been flattened for condos, apartments, and retail.
Out in the exurbs vast stretches of fields are slowly being encroached upon by small mansions and shiny new gas stations (actually, they are more like fast food restaurants with convenience stores inside, that also sell gas outside). Traffic is worse!
