Ohio Lands facts for kids
The Ohio Lands are all the different pieces of land that came together to form the U.S. state of Ohio. Ohio was one of the first areas settled in the Midwest. It was also one of the first parts of the United States beyond the original 13 colonies to be settled. The land that later became Ohio was gathered from many different owners and sources. These lands eventually became the foundation for the Northwest Territory and then the state of Ohio.
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How Ohio Was Formed
Before Ohio became a state, its land was claimed by different groups. These included Native American tribes and several of the original 13 colonies, like Virginia and Connecticut. After the American Revolutionary War, these claims needed to be sorted out. The United States government then took control of much of this land.
To organize and sell the land, the government divided it into many different sections. Each section had a special name and purpose. This is why there are so many "Ohio Lands." Some lands were given to soldiers, some were sold to companies, and some were set aside for public uses like schools.
Different Kinds of Land Grants
The various "Ohio Lands" show how complicated it was to settle and organize this new territory. Here are some examples of the different types of land divisions and grants:
Land for Soldiers
After the Revolutionary War, the government needed to pay soldiers for their service. Since money was scarce, they often paid soldiers with land.
United States Military District
This large area was set aside to give land to soldiers who fought for the United States. It was located in central Ohio.
Virginia Military District
Virginia had its own soldiers who fought in the war. This district was created for Virginia to give land to its veterans. It was located between the Scioto and Little Miami rivers.
Land for Public Use
Some lands were set aside for the benefit of everyone, not just for private sale.
School Lands
The Land Ordinance of 1785 was a very important law. It said that in every township (a square piece of land), one section should be reserved for public schools. This helped fund education as new towns grew.
Ministerial Lands
Similar to school lands, some areas were set aside to support religious institutions or ministers. This was meant to help communities establish churches.
Salt Reservations
Salt was a very important resource in early America. It was used to preserve food and for many other things. Certain areas with salt springs were kept by the government. This was to make sure everyone had access to this vital resource.
Lands Sold to Companies or Individuals
Large parts of Ohio were sold to land companies or individuals who then sold smaller pieces to settlers.
Ohio Company of Associates
This was one of the first big land purchases in Ohio. A group of Revolutionary War veterans formed this company. They bought a large tract of land in southeastern Ohio. This led to the founding of towns like Marietta.
Symmes Purchase
John Cleves Symmes bought a large area of land between the Great Miami and Little Miami rivers. This area became known as the Miami Purchase. It was a popular spot for settlement due to its fertile land.
Congress Lands
These were lands surveyed and sold directly by the United United States Congress. They were often divided into neat, square townships. This made it easier to organize and sell the land to settlers.
Special Purpose Lands
Some lands were created for very specific reasons or to solve particular problems.
Canal Lands
In the 1800s, canals were vital for transportation and trade. Lands along the routes of major canals, like the Miami & Erie Canal and the Ohio & Erie Canal, were often granted to help fund their construction.
Refugee Tract
This land was set aside for people who had supported the American cause during the Revolutionary War but had to flee their homes in Canada or Nova Scotia. It was a way to compensate them for their losses.
Firelands
During the Revolutionary War, British forces burned several towns in Connecticut. The "Firelands" were a special grant of land in northern Ohio given to the people from those burned towns as compensation.
Border Disputes
Sometimes, different states or territories disagreed about where their borders were.
Toledo Strip
The Toledo Strip was a narrow piece of land that both Ohio and Michigan claimed. This led to a nearly bloodless disagreement known as the Toledo War. Ohio eventually won control of the strip, which included the important port city of Toledo.
These many different land divisions show the complex history of how Ohio became the state it is today. Each piece of land has its own story, contributing to the unique patchwork that makes up Ohio.
