Research

Scope and Content Note

This series consists of a lone surviving volume used by the State Engineer and Surveyor and later the Chief Engineer within the Department of Public Works to record sales of state lands. In certain cases it is indicated that parcels being sold at auction are abandoned canal lands. Each page in the volume is devoted to a single public auction and provides location, day of the week, date, and time of said auction. Most pages include an affixed clipping from the local newspaper advertising the date and location of the auction and providing details of the parcel(s) offered for sale.

Additional data recorded includes date of resolution of the Commissioners of the Land Office approving sale; name of applicant seeking to purchase land; U.S. Loan Mortgage number; itemized cost of transaction to the state; name of actual purchaser; amount paid by purchaser; dates on which payment was received and deposited, along with State Treasurer's receipt number; and date on which certificate of sale and related documentation was sent to the Secretary of State's office.