                    SURVEY PLATS AND FIELD NOTES

The earliest survey records date back to the 18th century. Government
surveys began in Ohio and progressed westward as more territory was
opened for settlement.  Once the public domain was surveyed, the 
government could begin to transfer title of land parcels to private
citizens, companies and local governments.
                                     
Survey plats are drawings of boundaries, prepared by draftsmen, based
on data in the sketches and field notes.  Survey field notes are records
that describe the survey performed and are completed by the surveyor. The
field notes may contain descriptions of land formations, climate, soil,
plant and animal life, and even the names of settlers living in the survey
area.  

In order to receive information regarding plats and field notes, call
or write to the Bureau of Land Management to the attention of Cadastral 
Survey.  Please include your complete name, telephone number and address
with each request.  Remember to specify the entire legal description,
including subdivision (such as S 1/2, and NE 1/4 NE 1/4), section,
township, range, survey meridian, State, county, and any other pertinent
information.  Send your written requests to:

      Bureau of Land Management
      Eastern States 
      Attn:  Cadastral Survey
      7450 Boston Boulevard
      Springfield, Virginia  22153                                        
      (703) 440-1688

Eastern States has responsibility for the 13 public land states east of
and bordering the Mississippi River, except for the original 13 colonies
and their territories.  But, Eastern States does not maintain plats and
field notes for Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, and Ohio.  This 
information is located at:

      Cartographic and Architectural Branch
      National Archives and Record Administration
      841 S. Pickett Street
      Alexandria, Virginia  22304
      (703) 756-6700


                    LAND PATENTS AND CERTIFICATES

Before the homesteaders, soldiers, and other patentees received their
patent, some government paperwork had to be done. Homesteaders had to
file applications, witnesses had to testify that the homesteader had 
actually lived on the land, and those purchasing the land were issued
receipts.  These documents are on file at the National Archives.

The National Archives welcomes researchers to use both original and
microfilmed records.  The reference staff can help you to plan your
research and to locate and understand records.  If you are unable to
visit the National Archives, or its regional archives, you may obtain
copies of documents through the mail.

Case file information about the patents can be obtained by writing to:

      Mr. George Brasher
      Assistant Branch Chief, Suitland Reference Branch
      National Archives and Records Administration
      Washington, D.C.  20408


* End of : ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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