1819 Ohio land grant

📜 Item Description

• Item: U.S. Federal Land Grant Document
• Date Issued: 1819
• Location: Likely for land in the state of Ohio, part of the early U.S. Public Land Survey System
• Signatory: Issued under the authority of President James Monroe (5th U.S. President, 1817–1825)
• Medium: Handwritten/partially printed on vellum or early parchment paper
• Size: Typically around 16" x 10" to 20" x 14"
• Features: May include:
  • Wax or paper seal
  • Printed calligraphy and handwritten recipient
  • Legal description of the land in metes and bounds or township-range section

🗺️ Historical Background

Following the Land Ordinance of 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, lands in Ohio (part of the Northwest Territory) were sold or granted by the federal government to veterans, settlers, and purchasers. By 1819:

• Ohio was a young state (admitted in 1803)
• Land grants were often issued by the General Land Office (GLO)
• These grants were used to populate and develop the frontier

🧾 Potential Value Drivers

Factor

Value Impact

Signature of Monroe

Moderate — adds historical interest if authentic and legible

Condition

Strongly affects value (creases, tears, fading)

Seal intact

Increases value if embossed or wax seal remains

Historical Recipient

Higher value if linked to notable settler, veteran, or event

Land Location

Value may rise if in a historically significant region of Ohio

Completeness

Fully readable documents with original seals fetch more

💰 Appraisal Estimate (Market Range)

Condition

Estimated Value (USD)

Excellent (legible, sealed, minimal wear)

$300 – $600+

Good (some wear/fading)

$200 – $400

Fair/Poor (damage, illegibility)

$100 – $200

If the document is linked to a military bounty land grant or signed directly by Monroe (not secretarial), it may command a premium of $750–$1,200 or more among collectors of early Americana.

🕵️ Authentication Tips

• Ink Analysis: May verify period authenticity.
• Seal Examination: Look for original government embossed seal of the General Land Office.
• Signature: Compare with known Monroe autographs to determine if secretarial or hand-signed.
• Provenance: Any family or archive records help boost trust and value.

🧑‍⚖️ Professional Appraisal Recommended If:

• You plan to insure it
• It appears to have original Presidential signature
• You intend to donate it to a historical archive or sell at auction

Recommended Appraisers:

• The Manuscript Society
• Heritage Auctions
• Swann Auction Galleries (Autographs & Americana)
• Certified appraisers via Appraisers Association of America