Summary
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In 1837, the western half of Galveston Island was not part of the City of Galveston. This land was surveyed and divided into lots by the Republic in an attempt to raise revenue. The lots were sold at auction through the Treasury. The Galveston Island Lot Records include certificates of purchase from the Republic of Texas Treasury, a register of buyers with a surname index, and a surname index to patents issued.
Biographical Note
In 1837, the western half of Galveston Island was not part of the City of Galveston but was part of the Republic of Texas' vacant public domain (public lands). The land was surveyed and divided into lots by the Republic, with the intent of selling off the lands to raise needed revenue. The lots were sold at auction, though there were few buyers. The Records in this collection represent land sold in that auction.
After the auction, Edward Hall and Levi Jones purchased nearly all of the remaining acreage through the sale of Galveston Scrip. Hall and Jones later surveyed the land and sold lots to individuals.
Scope and Content
After the auction, Edward Hall and Levi Jones purchased nearly all of the remaining acreage through the sale of Galveston Scrip. Hall and Jones later surveyed the land and sold lots to individuals.
The Galveston Island Lot Sales Certificates include certificates of purchase from the Republic of Texas Treasury Department indicating that payment had been made for a lot in Galveston. A few files also include affidavits and other items.
Register of Galveston Island Lots bound volume also includes Port Cavallo Lots, Sabine Pass Lots, Matagorda City Lots, and Velasco Town Lots. A surname index at the end gives Name and file number. File number refers to GLO Special Collection series GIL--Galveston Island Lots.
The Index to Patents volume lists original grantee, lot number, page number. The lot and page numbers refer to the Galveston Island Lots Patent Book.
Date
Register of Galveston Island Lots bound volume also includes Port Cavallo Lots, Sabine Pass Lots, Matagorda City Lots, and Velasco Town Lots. A surname index at the end gives Name and file number. File number refers to GLO Special Collection series GIL--Galveston Island Lots.
The Index to Patents volume lists original grantee, lot number, page number. The lot and page numbers refer to the Galveston Island Lots Patent Book.
1837-1876
Extent
4.10 Linear feet (2 document boxes, 2 oversized boxes)
Language
English
Arrangement
The Sales Certificates are ordered by number 1-75. Files 1-46 are in alphabetical order by surname. 47-75 are not in order. The Register entries are organized by above named areas, section, then lot number. Entries list original grantee, assignee, date patented, file number, patent number, volume and page number. The Index to Patents is orgainzed in alphabetical order by surname.
Preferred Citation
Galveston Island Lot Records (AR.49). Archives and Records Program, Texas General Land Office, Austin.
Access Restrictions
Unrestricted access.
Use Restrictions
Most records created by Texas state agencies are not copyrighted and may be freely used in any way. State records also include materials received by, not created by, state agencies. Copyright remains with the creator. The researcher is responsible for complying with U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17 U.S.C.).