Preemption applications, 1945-1854.

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Preemption applications, 1945-1854.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/37365446

Individuals who had settled on canal land prior to public land sales could legally file preemption claims (i.e., petitions seeking to purchase specific land tracts before public offering). Preemption eligibility required a proof that the land tract had both been occupied and improved, petitioners swore that they had occupied and improved the tract in question in the presence of a justice of the peace. Applications provide the following information: claimant name; tract improvement legal descriptions; and justice of the peace signature. Many applications also note the application decision.

.75 cubic ft.

Illinois State Archive

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SNAC Resource ID: 7392542

Illinois State Archive

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Illinois and Michigan Canal (Ill.)

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6b38m7k (corporateBody)

After the U.S. Congress granted nearly a hundred miles of public lands (between Lake Michigan and Illinois River headwaters) to the state of Illinois for canal construction (March 30, 1822), the General Assembly passed a canal bill (Feb. 14, 1923) establishing the Illinois and Michigan Canal Company. Following this company's failure, Congress donated Illinois land (March 2, 1827) "equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of the canal, reserving each alternate sectio...