Focus on Finding Earlier Transaction Dates Connected to Ancestors’ Federal Land Patents

in the Bureau of Land Management General Land Office Tract Books

Do you know whether your ancestors received a title, most commonly called a final certificate or patent, on federal land as the US expanded westward? (A final certificate or patent documented a land ownership title transfer from the federal government (public domain) to an individual or entity.)

Or have you found an ancestor’s federal land final certificate or patent date but wonder what date the transaction began (usually known as a land entry) at a local US land office?[1] Depending on the prevailing laws and circumstances, the final certificate or patent date, when the US government conveyed the title to an individual or entity, might have occurred years after the initial transaction date, all requirements were fulfilled, and the General Land Office (GLO) verified the paperwork.

Will finding an earlier date related to the land transaction help you ask or answer research questions? Or add details to your family history? If so, where and how might we find an earlier date?

Like me, maybe you can find some of your ancestors’ names on GLO records now maintained by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Finding the federal land patent date helped me place an ancestor in Wisconsin Territory more than a year earlier than I’d previously known. But then stumbling upon his associated land purchase date helped me push back my ancestor’s timeline in Wisconsin Territory by another 2 years and 8 months. Now I’d like to see if the National Archives holds my ancestor’s land entry case file that might include other notes or records that place him in that area at an earlier date.

A crazy quilt of different laws and circumstances governed and affected the transfer of land titles from the US federal government to individuals and entities from around the time of the Revolutionary War until 1935. For instance, the federal government transferred ownership of federal land by:

• bounty land warrants for military service,
• land sales,
• preemption sales to allow squatters to buy land,
• donation land grants,
• homestead grants,
• and private land claim grants that acknowledged land titles given to individuals by a foreign government before the US government became sovereign in that area.[2]

Therefore, the following approaches may not help you find what you’re looking for in all cases. However, because the BLM GLO has “image access to more than five million Federal land title records issued between 1788 and the present,”[3] it’s worth a try.

If you’re searching for federal land entry dates of your ancestors, make sure you’re playing in the right sandbox

Determine if the BLM might have records about your kinfolk. BLM maintains some GLO records dated after about 1785 from the 30 public land states.

BLM GLO records do not include:

• land sales records for the 20 private land states, which include the 13 original colonies plus Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and West Virginia,
  • For a quick visual of public and private land states, view BLM’s Land Catalog map,[4]
  • National Archives recommends checking for land records in the specific private land state’s archive.[5]
• an index of land transactions that were begun but not completed,[6] or
• records on subsequent transfers of land ownership.
  • Records of later transfers are usually held under each state’s jurisdiction, usually at the county level.[7]

Note that even if you’re in the right place, because of the way the BLM organized documents in the GLO collection, their website “does not currently contain every Federal title record issued for the Public Land States.”[8]

You’ve determined BLM might have an earlier land transaction date you’re looking for? Great!

Of the options available to access the BLM GLO records, I’ve primarily used two paths and treaded only lightly on a third. The first path is through the BLM GLO website. The second path encompasses two genealogy websites, Ancestry and/or FamilySearch. The third path, which I’ve only begun to explore, is the National Archives and Records Administration’s “Land Records.”[9] I’ve included some NARA general resources, but not a separate research path in this document.

If I can’t find what I want by taking one path, I’ll take another.

In your research, you may have been able to find an earlier transaction date by using the NARA records more extensively, other genealogy websites, or other options. To help other readers, please leave a comment and share your knowledge of what’s worked or hasn’t worked for you.

If you want an overlay of the land

I’m sure you know about other wonderful books, articles, blogs, podcasts, seminars and webinars. But the following are some of the helpful resources I’ve used to learn more about the process and records:

• BLM website:
  • Two-page quick overview “Land Records: Where They Came From – How We Got Them.”[10]
• FamilySearch website:
  • The “United States Land and Property”[11] page includes a list of “US Land & Property Online Resources” which may help you search for some BLM GLO records on genealogy websites.
• National Archives website:
  • “Land Entry Case Files and Related Records”[12] gives an overview and links to other resources.
• The Researcher’s Guide to American Genealogy, edition 4 by Val D Greenwood, especially:
  • Chapter 19 “Government Land: Colonial and American,” and
  • Chapter 20 “Local Land Records.”

Path 1

Genealogy websites

I’m adding the path through genealogy websites first because you may be more familiar with their formats. I use FamilySearch and Ancestry. If you’re familiar with other websites, check to see if they have similar record sets you can search.

Maybe it’s operator error, but sometimes when I’ could not access a record on BLM GLO’s website, I’ve been able to find it on a genealogy website.

Step 1.1

FamilySearch

If you haven’t already, set up an account at no charge to access FamilySearch.org records.

To search for a specific person’s information on Familysearch.org, go to “United States, Bureau of Land Management Tract Books, 1800-c.1955.”[13] Note that this collection includes BLM GLO records from 28 of the 30 public land states.

Step 1.2

Ancestry

Ancestry is a paid subscription site. If you don’t have a subscription, contact your local library and ask if they have the Ancestry Library Edition you can use at the library for free.

To search for a specific person’s information on Ancestry.com, go to “U.S., General Land Office Records, 1776-2015.”[14] Note that this Ancestry collection currently includes 14 of the 30 public land states’ BLM GLO records. To see which states are included, clicking on the link in this paragraph and scroll down to the section titled “About U.S., General Land Office Records, 1776-2015.”

Path 2

BLM GLO website

This is the path I normally take. I use the BLM GLO website most often to search for land patents and also to read its resources to help me better understand land descriptions and records.

Tip: The BLM GLO website provides many resources to help us search its records. If at any time you’re flummoxed, try the Reference Center for information, search helps, and site support.

Sidestep 2.1

Shortcut

You may take a shortcut

IF

you’re looking for federal land entry dates for Alabama, Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, or Wisconsin record
AND

you have enough details to “Search Documents”[15] to arrive at tract books in one of three ways:

• “Search Documents By Type” if you already know:
  • state, township (number and direction), range (number and direction), principal meridian
    • if you have a choice at the drop-down menu between principal meridians (e.g., for Alabama and Louisiana) and need a visual, go to the “Principal Meridians and Baselines”[16] map.
  • Tip: If you can add the section number, this will help limit the number of tract book pages you’ll need to review.
• “Search Documents By Location,” or
• “Search Documents By Identifier.”
• Tips:
  • BLM website’s Reference Center provides instructions and tips on each search option to help you navigate its system.
  • For additional search helps, go to “Search Tract Book Records.”[17]
  • In the following Step 2.2, view screenshots which show each of these three search options.

Step 2.2

Can’t take that shortcut? Start with what you know, or what you think you know

It may still be fairly easy to find an earlier land transaction date

IF

the BLM has the GLO records you’re looking for and has digitized them,

BUT

you’re searching for federal land records in one of the remaining 25 public land states (other than Alabama, Florida, Iowa, Louisiana and Wisconsin),

AND/OR

if you are missing land description or record details needed to take the shortcut in 2.1,

THEN you need to take a few more steps.

Start at BLM GLO “Search Documents”[18] for various ways to proceed.

• The first option is “Search Documents by Type.”
  • This option (below) will default to “patent” (see blue choices on the left side of the screen).
  • Read “Search Patents.”[19]
    • You need to include at least a state and another criterion.
    • This could be a surname or county.
    • Perhaps you have a land description from a will or deed.
    • Or you may have tribe or military bounty land warrant information.
  • Follow the instructions and tips on the screen.
  • Fill in what you know or think you know.
  • In the screenshot, you’ll see where you can click on “Search Patents” (orange tab at bottom left of the screen).

• The second option is “Search Documents by Location.”
  • Read “Search By Location.”[20]
  • Follow the instructions and tips on the screen.
  • Locate the land by navigating through the BLM GLO digital map that appears on the right of the screen (see below).

• The third option is “Search Documents by Identifier.”
  • Perhaps you already know one of the patent identifiers listed on the screenshot below, like both the type of document and the accession number.
  • Read “Search By Identifier.”[21]
  • Follow the instructions and tips on the screen.
  • Fill in what you know or think you know.

Step 2.3

Regroup and reconsider if your path has disappeared or has been blocked

Hmm, no results? Too many results? Or results you can’t tie to your ancestor?

Possibilities to try:

• different spelling(s) of given and/or surname,
• surname without given name,
• name of spouse, parent, or child,
• same state, a county selected,
• same state, no county selected,
• different state or county.
• Tips:
  • County boundaries: In her Missouri land research, my friend Barb noted the index will use the modern county (not necessarily the correct county for the date of the patent). She suggested checking the Newberry Library’s “Atlas of Historical County Boundaries” to determine if a county changed boundaries. Or see the changes over time at “US Historical State & Territorial Boundaries, 1783-2000 : View animations of national data.”[22]
  • State boundaries: If family lore or historical documents placed your ancestor in a specific territory or state, search the Newberry link (above) or other resources to learn more about historic changes to territorial or state boundaries and jurisdictions. For instance, one of my ancestors “lost himself in the Dakotas” in the 1860s. When I first heard that family story, I didn’t know that over time Dakota Territory was divided into current North Dakota, South Dakota, most of Montana and Wyoming, and a tiny slice of Nebraska. I later learned this ancestor probably landed for a while in an area that eventually became part of the State of Montana.
  • Land descriptions: If possible, verify the land description you’re using, especially if your source document is faded or illegible. You may be able to compare it to another source, such as a deed, will, probate papers, or newspaper listing of land sales or purchases.

Hmm, still no luck? Perhaps:

• your ancestor was a subsequent, not original owner of federal land, or
• your ancestor began but didn’t complete the process,
• your ancestor’s records are not among those that are digitized or indexed.

If you haven’t already:

• Try another search documents option, or
• Check the Bonus section at the end of this document for other possibilities.

Step 2.4

Follow the digital crumb trail if you find enough information to proceed

From your “Patents” search results, click on the “Accession” link (blue link near the left side of your results).

I was interested in the parcel of land with the accession identified as WI2820__.140, so I clicked on that blue hyperlink.

Hoppy Step 2.5

Hop over to “Related Documents”

Your results will probably provide you with a lot of interesting-looking information. I urge you not to deviate from your intended quest, which is finding an earlier transaction date than what’s on the certificate or patent!

Near the top of the next screenshot, but below the line that corresponds to your ancestor’s “Accession Nr:_________,” click on the third tab (brown), “Related Documents.”

Skippy Step 2.6

Skip on over to “Tract Books”

The next screenshot lists the names of all those in a specific section of a township/range who began a land transaction, many of whom eventually became patent holders. Again, all those names may tempt you to lose focus and search for some of your ancestors’ neighbors and relatives. But NO! Remain focused on the intended goal!

• In the far-left column of the screen, click on “Tract Books.”

Diverging Step 2.7

Uh, oh! What happens if there is no track book image link to click?

I’m as bummed as you are about this. However, don’t give up.

Some options:

• If you haven’t tried Path 1 above, visit a genealogy website like FamilySearch, Ancestry, and/or whatever genealogy program(s) you use.
• Or, if you’ve now found additional information on the BLM GLO website that will help you search a genealogy website, retry Path 1. Look again for the relevant digitized tract book page.
• Or, check the Bonus section at the end of this document for other possibilities.

If those options don’t work, remember, “Hope springs eternal in the human breast.”[23] You may want to chart another longer but potentially more rewarding path after reading:

• NARA “Research in the Land Entry Files of the General Land Office”[24] especially the sections titled “Using the Tract Books at the National Archives Building,” and “Requesting the Land Entry Case File.”
• FamilySearch “United States, Bureau of Land Management Tract Books—FamilySearch Historical Records.”[25]

Jumpy Step 2.8

Jump to the tract book image if a digital tract book image is available

Don’t give up now! You’re so close! You’re hot!

Click on “Image.” (Or, click on the tract book’s “Volume Id,” and when that screen comes up, click on “Tract Book Image.”)

Now! Now!

Step 2.9

Find the land description or person’s name, and (hopefully) match it up with an earlier transaction date

Yeah! You’ve landed!

This two-page spread hopefully contains the gold you’re seeking.

Many of us will need to enlarge portions of these two pages to read them.

The information is arranged in numerical order by section number within each township/range.

I’m not sure if all the tract books over the years had the same layout and titles. And some recorders were more diligent or legible than others. But if you’re looking at something like the example below:

• Start on the left-hand page, locate the section, township, and range (columns 2, 3, and 4) combination that corresponds to the land description you’re looking for.
• Then, narrow your search by either “Part of Section” (column 1) or “Name of the Purchaser” (column 11).

I’ve enlarged the left-hand page (below) to be able to read entries in Section 7 of Township 9N, Range 11E to find my ancestor’s name:

Then I enlarged the part of the right-hand page (below) that roughly corresponds to Section 7 Township 9 Range 11.

The second column on this page includes the date of sale from the federal government to my ancestor. Yah!

If you’re like me, you may find it hard to follow the imaginary line across the middle of the tract book. However, you can visually create a line.

• To make an imaginary line that spans both pages:
  • starting at the center of the two-page spread,
    • enlarge the transaction entry you’re interested in enough so you can see:
      • the name of the purchaser on the left-hand page,
      • the corresponding date of sale on the right-hand page, and
  • place the bottom border of your snippet or partial screenshot under that transaction.
  • Yah! The imaginary line in the screenshot (below) spans both tract book pages so you can more easily match a purchaser’s name with the corresponding date ofsale.

Now it’s much easier to see the date of sale was 05 July 1845. That was probably at or near the start date of this transaction. Two years and eight months later, on 01 March 1848, the US government approved the patent to transfer title to my ancestor.

I used this information in an unexpected way. I combined the date the government sold this piece of land to Ripley with a later document that stated he and his wife had appeared before the notary about the deed of sale when they in turn sold the land to someone else. Finding these two land sale dates helped me determine which one of the Ripley children was probably the first born in Wisconsin Territory.

Hopefully, you’ve reached your intended objective, an earlier date in the transaction associated with a final certificate or patent granted to your ancestor.

Whether you were successful on not, I hope you can use this information to ask or answer some of your other research questions—or at least get closer to doing so. Maybe you can fill in a hole in a timeline or establish a location where more family records might be available. Perhaps you found other information that helped you understand more about your family’s story and history. And hopefully, you’ll be able to include additional interesting details in your notes or documents.

Bonus

You’re earned a research reward!

Are you itching to learn more about the process your ancestors went through and the traces of records they left behind if they received a certificate or patent for federal land in one of the 30 public land states? Or are you eager to explore a genealogy website, the BLM GLO website, or the National Archives website and play with them to gather more information about a family member?

Do you want to:

• start another search to see if the same or another family member received additional patents in the same or different state or county? Circle back through this document.
• locate the land on a current map?
  • BLM GLO –when you’ve found your ancestor’s information using “Search Documents,” Patent Details,” drop down on the screen to “Land Description,” and add a check mark to the box marked “Map.”
  • AcreValue: On “Parcels” enter a county, township, city, or address, or click on map[26]
• find your family members, their neighbors, and possibly other relatives on county land ownership maps, survey maps, or plat maps?
  • Ancestry “U.S., Indexed County Land Ownership Maps, 1860-1918”[27]
  • BLM GLO: Search Documents, Related Documents, Survey Details,“Plat Image”
  • Library of Congress, plat maps,“Search Maps”[28]
• read survey field notes (if available)?
  • BLM GLO: when you’ve found your ancestor’s information using “Search Documents,” “Patent Details,” go to “Related Documents” and “Surveys” for more information. Click on “Plat Image” if available for the original survey drawing.
• see if your ancestor was granted a land warrant for military service to obtain federal land? The following suggestions are just scratching the surface.
  • BLM GLO:
    • “Search Documents by Type,” “Names,” make sure “search warrantees” is checked. [29]
  • National Archives:
    • “Research in the Land Entry Files of the General Land Office,”[30] and
    • “Surrendered Military Bounty Land Warrants.”[31]
  • FamilySearch:
    • “United States Military Bounty Land Warrants”[32] has explanatory material and links to resources to find related records.
  • Ancestry:
    • “U.S., War Bounty Land Warrants, 1789-1858”[33]
• pursue finding federal land transactions that were not completed?
  • BLM:
    • I’ve seen handwritten entries and notes in GLO tract books about cancelled transactions, but these are not indexed on BLM’s website.
  • FamilySearch:
    • “United States, Cancelled, Relinquished, or Rejected Land Entry Case Files 1861-1932.”[34]
    • Or experiment with FamilySearch Full-Text Search to see if you can find other land information for your ancestor.
  • National Archives:
    • To order case files or for certain years and locations in Kansas and Nebraska, read NARA “Land Entry Case Files and Related Records”[35]
• copy or print the digital version of the patent document to add to your family history or attach to an individual’s profile on a family tree?
  • When you’ve found BLM “Patent Details,” click on the “Patent Image” tab.
  • BLM has a resource if you need help troubleshooting “Viewing and Printing Images.”[36]
• find the authority under which the US government granted a patent to your ancestor to add context to your family’s story?
  • BLM’s “Patent Details,” “Authority” lists the date, type, and statute (usually an Act of Congress). You can usually cut and paste that info into an internet search to find the original statue language.
  • Also, view “Title Transfer Authorities”[37]under which the US government sold federal lands.
• learn more about some of the imaginary lines surveyors reference?
  • The helpful people at the BLM GLO website provided this information so we won’t feel so lost reading land descriptions. For many of us, genealogy research is our introduction to terms like Principal Meridian, Township, Range, Section Number. And our eyes may cross reading Aliquot Parts when we encounter something like S½ NE¼ SE¼.
    • Become acquainted with the “Rectangular Survey System”[38] and a “Land Description Diagram.”[39]
    • Check out BLM GLO’s cool map titled “Principal Meridians and Base Lines Governing the United States Public Land Surveys.”[40]
  • Read the relevant section of The Researcher’s Guide to American Genealogy.[41]
  • Tip: Use these resources to understand how to complete partial legal descriptions you may find in newspapers, deeds, and court records so you can then place them on a map.
• learn more to help you understand and research federal land sales in the 30 public land states?
  • Go back to the subheading near the beginning of this article titled “If you want an overlay of the land.”
• get a quick overview in a timeline of BLM GLO history of public domain land?
  • Go to “Our Record Keeping History.”[42]
• learn more about federal land sales and/or subsequent land transfers usually held at the county or state level?
  • Read in The Researcher’s Guide to American Genealogy:
    • “Government Land: Colonial and American” (Chapter 19) and/or
    • “Local Land Records” (Chapter 20).[43]
• search for possibilities of how to find more specifics about the land, the law, and your ancestor’s records?
  • Read more about land entry case files and how to order one from the National Archives.[44]^{, [45]}
• learn more interesting land ownership history?
  • My friend Barb is writing a blog post on the topic. I’ll furnish a link here when she posts it.[46]
• and SO much more!

And while you’re playing around with these records, you’ll learn more about your ancestors and the land they claimed—and sometimes, the land that eventually claimed them.

• What are some of your favorite go-to resources for learning more about historic federal land transactions in the 30 public land states?
• How have you used the US National Archives to find additional information about your ancestors’ federal land transactions in the public land states?
• How have you used the information you’ve found from searching federal land transactions?
• What unexpected ways has your federal land transaction research affected what you’ve recorded in your family’s story and history?

---

[1] Kenneth Hawkins, Compiler, “Research in the Land Entry Files of the General Land Office, Record group 49, Reference information paper 114,” National Archives and Records Administration (Washington, DC, rev 2009), archives.gov (https://www.archives.gov/files/publications/ref-info-papers/rip114.pdf : accessed 15 Oct 2025), 1-9 (Note: all 22 pages include good information).

[2] Val D Greenwood, The Researcher’s Guide to American Genealogy, edition 4, (Genealogy Publishing Company, Baltimore, Maryland : 2017), 477-481.

[3] “The Official Federal Land Records Site,” BLM, glorecords.blm.gov (https://glorecords.blm.gov : accessed 23 Oct 2025).

[4] Land Catalog map, BLM, glorecords.blm.gov (https://glorecords.blm.gov/images/LandCat.png : accessed 15 Oct 2025).

[5] “Land Entry Case Files and Related Records: Frequently Asked Questions about Land Records: How do I find records for non Federal public lands states?” National Archives, archives.gov (https://www.archives.gov/research/land/land-records : accessed 24 Oct 2025).

[6] “Accessing Land Entry Records: Types of Land Entry Files,” para 2, last reviewed 19 Jun 2020, National Archives, archives.gov (https://www.archives.gov/research/land/accessing-land-entry-files : accessed 15 Oct 2025).

[7] “Land Records: Where They Came From – How We Got Them: The Records We Maintain” para 4, US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Eastern States, BLM, glorecords.blm.gov (https://glorecords.blm.gov/reference/Education/GLO%20Land%20Records%202017.pdf : accessed 15 Oct 2025).

[8] Bureau of Land Management General Land Office Records, home page, para 1, BLM, glorecords.blm.gov (https://glorecords.blm.gov/default.aspx : accessed 15 Oct 2025).

[9] “Research Our Records: Land Records” National Archives, archives.gov (https://www.archives.gov/research/land : accessed 15 Oct 2025).

[10] “Land Records: Where They Came From – How We Got Them,” BLM, glorecords.blm.gov (https://glorecords.blm.gov/reference/Education/GLO%20Land%20Records%202017.pdf : accessed 15 Oct 2025).

[11] “United States Land and Property,” FamilySearch, familysearch.org (https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/United_States_Land_and_Property : accessed 15 Oct 2025).

[12] “Land Entry Case Files and Related Records” National Archives, archives.gov (https://www.archives.gov/files/publications/ref-info-papers/rip114.pdf : accessed 15 Oct 2025).

[13] “United States, Bureau of Land Management Tract Books, 1800-c 1955,” FamilySearch, familysearch.org (https://www.familysearch.org/en/search/collection/2074276 : accessed 15 Oct 2025).

[14] “ U.S., General Land Office Records, 1776-2015,” Ancestry, ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1246/?redirectFor=db.aspx : accessed 15 Oct 2025).

[15] “Search Documents,” BLM, glorecords.blm.gov (https://glorecords.blm.gov/search/default.aspx?searchTabIndex=0&searchByTypeIndex=0#searchTabIndex=0&searchByTypeIndex=4 : accessed 15 Oct 2025).

[16] “Principal Meridians and Base Lines Governing the United States Public Land Surveys,” digital map, BLM, glorecords.blm.gov (https://glorecords.blm.gov/images/reference/principal_meridians_and_baselines.png : accessed 15 Oct 2025).

[17] “Search Tract Book Records,” BLM, glorecords.blm.gov (https://glorecords.blm.gov/reference/default.aspx#id=03_Search_Tips%7C07_Search_Tract_Book_Records : accessed 15 Oct 2025).

[18] “Search Documents,” BLM, glorecords.blm.gov (https://glorecords.blm.gov/search/default.aspx?searchTabIndex=0&searchByTypeIndex=3 : accessed 15 Oct 2025).

[19] “Search Patents,” BLM GLO, glorecords.blm.gov (https://glorecords.blm.gov/reference/default.aspx#id=03_Search_Tips%7C01_Search_Patents : accessed 25 Oct 2025).

[20] “Search By Location,” BLM, glorecords.blm.gov https://glorecords.blm.gov/reference/default.aspx#id=03_Search_Tips|04_Search_By_Location : accessed 25 Oct 2025).

[21] “Search By Identifier,” BLM GLO, glorecords.blm.gov (https://glorecords.blm.gov/reference/default.aspx#id=03_Search_Tips|05_Search_By_Identifier : accessed 25 Oct 2025).

[22] John H Long, Editor, et. al, “Atlas of Historical County Boundaries” Newberry Library, Chicago, digital (https://publications.newberry.org/ahcb/maps/ https://publications.newberry.org/ahcb/ (counties) and https://publications.newberry.org/ahcb/maps/ (territories and states): accessed 15 Oct 2025).

[23] Alexander Pope, poem “Essay on Man.”

[24] Hawkins, “Research in the Land Entry Files of the General Land Office.”

[25] “United States, Bureau of Land Management Tract Books—FamilySearch Historical Records,” FamilySearch Wiki, familysearch.org, (https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/United_States,_Bureau_of_Land_Management_Tract_Books_-_FamilySearch_Historical_Records : accessed 15 Oct 2025).

[26] Acrevalue, Parcel map, acrevalue.com, https://www.acrevalue.com/plat-map/?lat=43.174625&lng=-89.209762&zoom=9 : accessed 25 Oct 2025).

[27] “About U.S., Indexed County Land Ownership Maps, 1860-1918,” Ancestry, Ancestry.com, https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1127/ : accessed 25 Oct 2025).

[28] “Search Maps” Library of Congress, loc.gov (https://www.loc.gov/maps/?q=plat+maps&st=gallery: accessed 25 Oct 2025).

[29] “Search Documents By Type: Patents,” BLM, glorecords.blm.gov (https://glorecords.blm.gov/search/default.aspx?searchTabIndex=0&searchByTypeIndex=0 : accessed 15 Oct 2025).

[30] Hawkins, “Research in the Land Entry Files of the General Land Office,” National Archives, archives.gov (https://www.archives.gov/files/publications/ref-info-papers/rip114.pdf : accessed 15 Oct 2025), 11-14.

[31] “Accessing Land Entry Records: Types of Land Entry Files, Surrendered Military Bounty Land Warrants,” National Archives, archives.gov (https://www.archives.gov/research/land/accessing-land-entry-files : accessed 15 Oct 2025).

[32] “United States Military Bounty Land Warrants,” FamilySearch, familysearch.org, (https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/United_States_Military_Bounty_Land_Warrants : accessed 15 Oct 2025).

[33] “U.S., War Bounty Land Warrants, 1789-1858,” Ancestry, ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1165/ : accessed 15 Oct 2025).

[34] “United States, Cancelled, Relinquished, or Rejected Land Entry Case Files, 1861 – 1932),” FamilySearch, familysearch.org (https://www.familysearch.org/en/search/collection/2170637 : accessed 15 Oct 2025).

[35] “Land Entry Case Files and Related Records,” National Archives, archives.gov, https://www.archives.gov/research/land/land-records : accessed 15 Oct 2025).

[36] “Viewing and Printing Images,” BLM, glorecords.blm.gov (https://glorecords.blm.gov/reference/default.aspx#id=06_Troubleshooting%7C01_Viewing_And_Printing_Images : accessed 15 Oct 2025).

[37] “Title Transfer Authorities,” BLM, glorecords.blm.gov (https://glorecords.blm.gov/reference/default.aspx#id=05_Appendices%7C03_Title_Transfer_Authorities : accessed 15 Oct 2025).

[38] “Rectangular Survey System,” BLM, glorecords.blm.gov (https://glorecords.blm.gov/reference/default.aspx#id=05_Appendices|03_Rectangular_Survey_System : accessed 15 Oct 2025).

[39] “Land Description Diagram,” BLM, glorecords.blm.gov, (https://glorecords.blm.gov/reference/Education/Land_Description_Diagram.pdf : accessed 15 Oct 2025).

[40] “Principal Meridians and Base Lines Governing the United States Public Land Surveys,” BLM, glorecords.blm.gov (https://glorecords.blm.gov/reference/Education/plssmeridianmap09.pdf : accessed 15 Oct 2025).

[41] Val D Greenwood, The Researcher’s Guide to American Genealogy, edition 4, (Genealogy Publishing Company, Baltimore, Maryland : 2017), 475-477.

[42] “Our Record Keeping History,” BLM, glorecords.blm.gov (https://glorecords.blm.gov/reference/default.aspx#id=01_GLO_Records|01_Our_Record_Keeping_History : accessed 115 Oct 2025).

[43] Greenwood, The Researcher’s Guide to American Genealogy, edition 4, Chapter 19 “Government Land: Colonial and American,” 469-494, and/or Chapter 20 “Local Land Records” 495-528.

[44] Hawkins, “Research in the Land Entry Files of the General Land Office” National Archives, archives.gov (https://www.archives.gov/files/publications/ref-info-papers/rip114.pdf : accessed 15 Oct 2025).

[45] “Land Entry Case Files and Related Records,” “FAQ: How do I order copies of Land Entry Case Files?” NARA, archives.gov ( https://www.archives.gov/research/land/land-records : accessed 15 Oct 2025).

[46] To be added.