Minnesota. State Land Office.

Under the Minnesota statehood act [11 Stat. 166, Enabling Act of February 26, 1857], sections 16 and 36 of every township (totaling 1280 acres per township) were dedicated to the state school fund. If any such section was deficient (less than a full section by reason of being located in a fractional township; covered by a lake, river, or swamp; reserved for some other public purpose; or pre-empted by settlement), the state could select indemnity lands from the public domain to make up the deficiency.

From the guide to the Indemnity school land records., circa 1855-circa 1960., (Minnesota Historical Society)