RLP 305: Southwestern Research with Michelle Mikkelson part 3 - Land, Mining and Agricultural Records

In this podcast episode, Diana and Nicole talk with guest Michelle Mickelson, AG, about the significance of the Homestead Act of 1862 in spurring westward expansion and its implications for genealogy. They explore how this act allowed people to claim and cultivate land in states like Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah, and discuss how genealogists can access these land records through the National Archives, Bureau of Land Management’s General Land Office, and state archives. The documents typically include crucial details such as land location, descriptions, and proof of improvements, essential for tracing ancestry. The episode also covers the complexities of understanding land grant documents, the influence of Spanish and Mexican governance on land grants, and modern tools like GIS for mapping ancestral properties. Additionally, they discuss related topics such as mining and agricultural records, irrigation and water rights, and offer practical advice for accessing and interpreting these records to uncover more about one's ancestors.

Links

Southwestern Research Part 3 – Land and Property records, including Spanish Land Grants - https://familylocket.com/southwestern-united-states-research-key-records-and-repositories-part-3-land-and-property-records-including-spanish-land-grants/

Southwestern Research Part 4 – Mining and Agriculture Records - https://familylocket.com/southwestern-united-states-research-key-records-and-repositories-part-4-mining-and-agriculture-records/

FamilySearch has collections of land claims, here are a few examples:

Mining and land claims 1852-1931, and indexes 1850-1892, Calaveras County, California. - https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/1327670

Mining claims, vol. F, 1850-1900 for Yolo County, California - https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/366304

Mining claims wiki page includes a list of mineral-producing states and important dates in mining history - https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Mining_Claims

Ancestry’s Family History Learning Hub contains helpful details on the mining industry and links to record collections. The following links will get you started:

California Gold Rush - https://www.ancestry.com/c/family-history-learning-hub/california-gold-rush

U.S., Mining Accidents, 1839-2006, index and database - https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/62003/

Occupational and Job Histories - https://www.ancestry.com/c/family-history-learning-hub/occupations-and-job-histories

Professional & Organizational Directories, index and database - https://www.ancestry.com/search/categories/dir_society/

Sponsor – Newspapers.com

For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code “FamilyLocket” at checkout.

Research Like a Pro Resources

Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer

Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product/airtable-research-logs-for-genealogy-quick-reference/

Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d

14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-c...