America 250 at the Library: Land Grants

One of the most sought after commodities in the 18th century American colonies was land. Land ownership was the key to higher status in society. When the Revolutionary War started, land was used as an incentive for young men to enlist as soldiers and be recognized for their service.

In 1776, men who enlisted for three years were awarded $20 and 100 acres. After the war, each state controlled the distribution of land. Virginia gave its soldiers land in the Ohio Territory.

When the United States federal government was established in 1789, it assumed responsibility for the pensions of Revolutionary War veterans. Grants were signed by the president himself, and used to encourage westward expansion. Every president before Andrew Jackson personally signed such grants.

In our America 250 Main Exhibit, "A Republic -- If We Can Keep It," exhibit, you will see authentic, vintage examples signed by Presidents John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe, as well as by Secretaries of State James Madison and John Marshall.

You will also see early examples from Virginia signed by governors Patrick Henry and (on loan from the Dicoese of Wheeling Charleston) Edmund Randolph, a signer of the Constitution. 

You may view scans of these documents below and click to read downloadable transcriptions in our document center.

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Click to Read Transcription

Click to Read Transcription

Click to Read Transcription

Click to Read Transcription