Most available land records will be found in a local government office, where they are archived. However, many records can also be found online. Understanding legal land descriptions is crucial. These descriptions use a system of townships, ranges, and sections to identify specific parcels of land. Resources are available online to help interpret these descriptions, and learning this system will greatly enhance your research. Here are several resources you can check out:
- The Bureau of Land Management, General Land Office website includes a free searchable database of US land patents. You can search for digitized land patents and survey records by name, location, or legal description. This is often the first and most convenient place to start your search.
- Although there is not currently a way to search The Bureau of Land Management directly on MyHeritage, you can find many land records by hovering over “Research” at the top toolbar and clicking on “Collection Catalog.” Search the category “Government, Land, Court & Wills” on the left side of the page for available land records. (Or, click this link.) Where a land record is physically archived will be determined by which government entity it was sold or recorded by. A military bounty land or homestead records might be in the collection of a federal government. A record of someone buying land from another individual will be recorded in a local county recorder's office. To determine where the land record is housed, consider how land was acquired in that location and time period.
- State Land Offices: Some states maintained their own land offices and records, particularly for states that were not part of the original public land survey system. Check the state archives or historical society for these records, as they may hold unique and valuable information. Here is an example for Illinois: The “Illinois Public Domain Land Tract Sales” State Archives.
- National Archives: The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) also holds many land records, especially case files and other supporting documentation. These can provide more detailed information than what is found online and are essential for in-depth research.
- Family History Centers: Local Family History Centers, operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints often have access to microfilm or digitized copies of land records. These centers can be a valuable resource for local research and may have materials not easily accessible elsewhere.
Research your ancestors on MyHeritage
Steps to Research Land RecordsSteps to Research Land Records
- Identify the State and County: Determine where your ancestor lived and the county in which the land was located. This is your starting point for any land record search.
- Obtain Legal Land Descriptions: If possible, find the legal land description from other records such as deeds or tax records. This will make your search much more precise and efficient.
- Search the BLM GLO Records Website: Use the information you have to search the online database for patents and surveys. This is often the quickest way to find initial information.
- Examine Tract Books: Look for entries in tract books that correspond to your ancestor's land transactions. These can provide a chronological overview of land ownership and help you trace the chain of title.
- Request Case Files: If you find a patent, consider requesting the case file from NARA for additional documentation. These files can contain personal details and valuable context, enriching your understanding of your ancestor's life.
- Consult State and Local Archives: Check state land offices and county courthouses for further records. Local records can sometimes provide more detailed or specific information, such as tax records or local land transactions.
Tips for Effective ResearchTips for Effective Research
- Be Patient and Persistent: Land record research can be time-consuming. Be prepared to spend time searching and cross-referencing information from multiple sources. Don't get discouraged if you don't find what you're looking for immediately.
System of Survey of Public Lands of the United States under the Act of 1796 - Learn the Land Survey System: To effectively search for land information, understanding the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), specifically townships, ranges, and sections, is crucial. This system, used in many states, divides land into a grid-like pattern for easier identification and management. (See image to the left.) There are many resources available online to help you learn this system.
- Use Multiple Resources: Combine information from various sources to build a complete picture. Don't rely on just one record type. Cross-referencing different records can help confirm information and reveal new details.
- Consider Hiring a Professional: If you encounter difficulties or need specialized expertise, consider consulting a professional genealogist or land records researcher. They can provide valuable assistance and save you time.
- Keep Detailed Notes: As you research, keep detailed notes of your findings, including sources, dates, and any relevant details. This will help you stay organized and avoid repeating your searches.
