The United States General Land Office (GLO)

The United States General Land Office (GLO) was established by the Treasury Department in 1812, which grew out of the Land Ordinance of 1785. The GLO was responsible for the disposal of public lands throughout the nineteenth century. The US Government required that Public Lands be first surveyed prior to settlement. Thomas Hutchins, the first director of the G.L.O. was instrumental in establishing the rectangular public land survey system. This system divided the land into square six-mile blocks, which were then further subdivided into sections and quarter sections. Ohio was the first "test" state that this system was used on. The GLO used standardized symbols to represent geographic features. In addition the surveyors were required to indicate cultural features such as roads and Indian trails. Departing from contemporary mapping practice, field surveyors were ordered not to furnish new names for landscape features but to retain "the received names of all rivers, creeks, lakes, swamps, prairies, hills, mountains and other natural objects." After Ohio the surveyors went west and south, reaching the Mississippi River around the 1850's. In 1803 Jared Mansfield instituted improvements and refinements in the rectangular survey system. He introduced the use of principle meridians and parallels of latitude. These refinements greatly sped up the mapping process. The efforts of the U.S. General Land Office greatly helped other mapmakers, who used these maps for reference in constructing their own maps. The GLO mainly published state maps, which came out in separate volumes each year bound in atlases. Many of these original GLO state maps were destroyed and they are generally hard to come by today.

Art Source has a very large collection of U.S. General Land Office maps, all dated around the 1830's through the 1860's.

Your search for everything in GLO Maps returned 167 records. Displaying items 1 through 50. Click on image for more information	sort by: title year price

maps
	1. 4-Map GLO Set of Louisiana
	Highly detailed GLO map of Louisiana. This four map set includes: 1. Map of the South Western District Louisiana. 2. St. Helena District La. 3. South Eastern District Louisiana 4. Map of the District North of red River La. Date: 1837 Price: $85.00
	2. 4-Map GLO Set of Louisiana
	Highly detailed GLO map of Louisiana. This four map set includes: 1. Map of the South Western District Louisiana. 2. St. Helena District La. 3. South Eastern District Louisiana 4. Map of the District North of Red River La. Date: 1838 Price: $85.00
	3. 4-Map GLO Set of Louisiana
	Highly detailed GLO map of Louisiana. This four map set includes: 1. Map of the South Western District Louisiana. 2. St. Helena District La. 3. South Eastern District Louisiana 4. Map of the District North of Red River La. Date: 1839 Price: $85.00
	4. 4-Map GLO Set of Louisiana
	Highly detailed GLO map of Louisiana. This four map set includes: 1. Map of the South Western District Louisiana. 2. St. Helena District La. 3. South Eastern District Louisiana 4. Map of the District North of Red River La. Date: 1840 Price: $75.00
	5. 4-Map GLO Set of Louisiana
	Highly detailed GLO map of Louisiana. This four map set includes: 1. Map of the South Western District Louisiana. 2. St. Helena District La. 3. South Eastern District Louisiana 4. Map of the District North of Red River La. Date: 1841 Price: $75.00
	6. 4-Map GLO Set of Louisiana
	Highly detailed GLO map of Louisiana. This four map set includes: 1. Map of the South Western District Louisiana. 2. St. Helena District La. 3. South Eastern District Louisiana 4. Map of the District North of Red River La. Date: 1843 Price: $75.00
	7. 4-Map GLO Set of Louisiana
	Highly detailed GLO map of Louisiana. This four map set includes: 1. Map of the South Western District Louisiana. 2. St. Helena District La. 3. South Eastern District Louisiana 4. Map of the District North of Red River La. Date: 1845 Price: $75.00
	8. A Diagram of the State of Alabama
	Surveys mainly in southern half of state. Shows Choctaw Cession of 1830, Chickasaw Cession of 1833, Creek Cession of 1832, and Cherokee Cession. Also shows Old Creek and Old Choctaw boundary lines and Old Madison County. Towns shown include Mobile, Sparta, Montgomery, Wetumka, Mardisville, Tuscaloosa, and others. Date: 1845 Price: $95.00
	9. A Diagram of the State of Alabama
	Surveys mainly in southern half of state. Shows Choctaw Cession of 1830, Chickasaw Cession of 1833, Creek Cession of 1832, and Cherokee Cession. Also shows Old Creek and Old Choctaw boundary lines and Old Madison County. Towns shown include Mobile, Sparta, Montgomery, Wetumka, Mardisville, Tuscaloosa, and others. Date: 1847 Price: $90.00
	10. A Plat Exhibiting the State of the Surveys in the State of Florida
	State of Florida. Labels Forbes Purchase, Arredondo Grant and "supposed Indian boundary line". Date: 1848 Price: $95.00
	11. A Sketch of the Public Surveys in Indiana
	Shows rivers, towns such as Indianapolis, Crawfordsville, Winimac and Fort Wayne. Several grants shown, including Clark's Grant, a Donation Tract near Vincenns, and the Miami Reservation. Date: 1845 Price: $65.00
	12. A Sketch of the Public Surveys in Indiana
	Shows rivers, towns such as Indianapolis, Crawfordsville, Winimac and Fort Wayne. Clark's Grant and a Donation Tract near Vincenns are marked. Unsurveyed area near center of state was previously the Miami Reservation. Date: 1847 Price: $60.00
	13. A Sketch of the Public Surveys in Indiana
	Shows rivers, towns such as Indianapolis, Crawfordsville, Winimac and Fort Wayne. Clark's Grant and a Donation Tract near Vincenns are marked. Date: 1848 Price: $60.00
	14. Arkansas
	This very early GLO map of Arkansas has shaded and outline color in dark and light brown, green, blue, yellow, and pink. Towns shown include Pine Bluff, Hot Springs, Little Rock, Helena, Fayetteville, Batesville and others. The western edge of the state is marked by Choctaw and Cherokee boundary lines, while in the southwest is an area marked Disputed Territory and shows the 'supposed" line between the United States and Texas. Other features of interest on the map are the Old Cherokee Line stretching from the Arkansas to the White River and a very small Cherokee reservation along the Arkansas. The 'supposed course of St. Francis River" is shown in the northeast corner. Date: 1839 Price: $85.00
	15. Arkansas
	Shaded and outline color in green, yellow, orange, pink and blue. Towns shown include Pine Bluff, Hot Springs, Little Rock, Helena, Fayetteville, Batesville and others. Town marked Columbus on previous maps now known as Columbia. The western edge of the state is marked by Choctaw and Cherokee boundary lines, while in the southwest is an area marked Disputed Territory and shows the 'supposed" line between the United States and Texas. Other features of interest on the map are the Old Cherokee Line stretching from the Arkansas to the White River and a very small Cherokee reservation along the Arkansas. The 'supposed course of St. Francis River" is shown in the northeast corner. Date: 1840 Price: $75.00
	16. Arkansas
	Unusual Land District version of the 1840 GLO, small format. Features of interest on this map include Choctaw and Cherokee Lines to west, Old Cherokee Line from the Arkansas to the White River and 'supposed course of St. Francis River". Outline color in pink. Date: 1840 Price: $55.00
	17. Arkansas
	By 1841, the survey grid covered most of the state. The western border is delineated by the Choctaw and Cherokee boundary lines. Towns marked include Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Fayetteville, Hot Springs, Columbia, Batesville, and Fulton. Other features of interest: the Old Cherokee Line running between the Arkansas and White Rivers, a very small Cherokee reservation on the Arkansas, and the 'supposed" course of the St. Francis River. Date: 1841 Price: $95.00
	18. Arkansas
	Survey grid covers most of the state. The western border is delineated by the Choctaw and Cherokee boundary lines. Towns marked include Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Fayetteville, Hot Springs, Columbia, Batesville, and Fulton. Other features of interest: the Old Cherokee Line running between the Arkansas and White Rivers, a very small Cherokee reservation on the Arkansas, and the 'supposed" course of the St. Francis River. Date: 1843 Price: $95.00
	19. Arkansas
	All but a few small areas of the state are under survey by this date. The western border is delineated by the Choctaw and Cherokee boundary lines. Towns marked include Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Fayetteville, Hot Springs, Columbia, Batesville, and Fulton. Other features of interest: the Old Cherokee Line running between the Arkansas and White Rivers, a very small Cherokee reservation on the Arkansas, and the 'supposed" course of the St. Francis River. Date: 1845 Price: $90.00
	20. Arkansas
	All but a few small areas of the state are under survey by this date. The previously mysterious St. Francis River is now under survey by 1847.The western border is delineated by the Choctaw and Cherokee boundary lines. Towns marked include Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Fayetteville, Hot Springs, Columbia, Batesville, Van Buren and Fulton. Other features of interest: the Old Cherokee Line running between the Arkansas and White Rivers and a very small Cherokee reservation on the Arkansas. Date: 1847 Price: $85.00
	21. Arkansas
	The 1850 GLO uses shaded and outline color in blue, pink, green and yellow to show survey areas in different stages of completion. Western border of the state is marked by Choctaw and Cherokee boundary lines, and Texas border appears in southwest. Towns marked include Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Fayetteville, Hot Springs, Columbia, Batesville, Van Buren and Fulton. Other features of interest: the Old Cherokee Line running between the Arkansas and White Rivers and a very small Cherokee reservation on the Arkansas. Date: 1850 Price: $80.00
	22. Arkansas
	Western border of the state is marked by Choctaw and Cherokee boundary lines, and Texas border appears in southwest. Towns marked include Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Fayetteville, Hot Springs, Columbia, Batesville, Van Buren and Fulton. Other features of interest: the Old Cherokee Line running between the Arkansas and White Rivers and a very small Cherokee reservation on the Arkansas. Date: 1851 Price: $80.00
	23. Arkansas
	By this time, the entire state is under survey. Western border of the state is marked by Choctaw and Cherokee boundary lines, and Texas border appears in southwest. Towns marked include Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Fayetteville, Hot Springs, Columbia, Batesville, Van Buren and Fulton. Other features of interest: the Old Cherokee Line running between the Arkansas and White Rivers and a very small Cherokee reservation on the Arkansas. Date: 1852 Price: $80.00
	24. Arkansas
	This GLO not only shows the surveys in their various stages of completion, but also the boundaries of swampy and flooded lands; an extra bit of topographic information you don"t usually see on GLO maps. The western border of the state is Choctaw and Cherokee boundary lines, and the Texas border is shown in the southwest. Towns marked include Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Fayetteville, Hot Springs, Columbia, Batesville, Van Buren and Fulton. Other features of interest: the Old Cherokee Line running between the Arkansas and White Rivers and a very small Cherokee reservation on the Arkansas. Date: 1853 Price: $80.00
	25. Arkansas
	This GLO not only shows the surveys in their various stages of completion, but also the boundaries of swampy and flooded lands; an extra bit of topographic information you don"t usually see on GLO maps. The western border of the state is Choctaw and Cherokee boundary lines, and the Texas border is shown in the southwest. Towns marked include Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Fayetteville, Hot Springs, Columbia, Batesville, Van Buren and Fulton. Other features of interest: the Old Cherokee Line running between the Arkansas and White Rivers and a very small Cherokee reservation on the Arkansas. Date: 1854 Price: $80.00
	26. Arkansas
	This very detailed GLO map shows not only the status of the surveys, but also major areas of swampland and railroad reservations. The western border of the state is the Cherokee and Choctaw boundary lines. Quite a few towns are shown, including Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Fayetteville, Hot Spring, Columbia, Batesville, Van Buren and Fulton. Other features of interest: the Old Cherokee Line running between the Arkansas and White Rivers and a very small Cherokee reservation on the Arkansas. Date: 1855 Price: $80.00
	27. Arkansas
	This very detailed GLO map shows not only the status of the surveys, but also major areas of swampland and railroad reservations. The western border of the state is the Cherokee and Choctaw boundary lines. Quite a few towns are shown, including Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Fayetteville, Hot Spring, Columbia, Batesville, Van Buren and Fulton. Other features of interest: the Old Cherokee Line running between the Arkansas and White Rivers and a very small Cherokee reservation on the Arkansas Date: 1856 Price: $80.00
	28. Arkansas
	1866 Arkansas GLO map shows survey grid and boundaries of swamp and flooded lands, as well as railroad land grants in pink, yellow and blue outline color. Western border of the state is Choctaw and Cherokee boundary lines. Numerous towns are labeled, as well as the Old Cherokee Line and Cherokee reservation on the Arkansas river. Date: 1866 Price: $95.00
	29. Ceded part of Dakota Territory
	Dakota Territory. Shows Yankton reserve, Ft. Randall Military Reserve, Ponka reserve, and Indian reserve in northeast corner. Surveys along Big Sioux and Missouri Rivers. Date: 1861 Price: $95.00
	30. Ceded part of Dakota Territory
	Dakota Territory. Shows Yankton reserve, Ft. Randall Military Reserve, Ponka reserve, and Indian reserve in northeast corner. Surveys along Big Sioux and Missouri Rivers. Date: 1862 Price: $80.00
	31. Diagram of Alachua Land District (Florida)
	Alachua Land District survey map. Date: 1854 Price: $65.00
	32. Diagram of Alachua Land District (Florida)
	Alachua Land District survey map. Date: 1855 Price: $65.00
	33. Diagram of St. Augustine Land District (Florida)
	St. Augustine Land District survey map. Date: 1855 Price: $55.00
	34. Diagram of Tallahassee Land District
	Tallahassee Land District survey map. Includes all of northwestern Florida. Forbes" Purchase marked. Date: 1855 Price: $65.00
	35. Diagram of Tampa Land District (Florida)
	Tampa Land District survey map. Includes all of southern tip of Florida and Keys. Everglades not surveyed. Date: 1855 Price: $65.00
	36. Diagram of the Boundary line between Michigan and Wisconsin
	An unusually geographically specific GLO map showing the boundary line between Michigan and Wisconsin. Labels "The course designated by Capt. Cram" and the trail from L"Anse to Lac Vieux Desert. Rivers and lakes shown. Date: 1847 Price: $75.00
	37. Diagram of the State of Illinois
	Shows surveys for entire state, with principal meridians and major rivers and towns. Towns marked include Chicago, Springfield, Danville, Palestine, Shawneetown, and others. Date: 1841 Price: $75.00
	38. Diagram of the State of Illinois
	Shows survey grid, principal meridians and baselines and major rivers. No towns marked on this particular map. Contains a note regarding the eastern boundary line of the state. Date: 1843 Price: $75.00
	39. Diagram of the State of Illinois
	This map focuses on showing the state's land districts. Also shown are rivers and many towns. More detail than in many of the maps from previous years. Date: 1845 Price: $75.00
	40. Diagram of the State of Illinois
	This map focuses on showing the state's land districts. Also shown are rivers and many towns. More detail than in many of the maps from previous years. Date: 1848 Price: $75.00
	41. Diagram of the State of Illinois
	This map focuses on showing the state's land districts. Also shown are rivers and many towns. More detail than in many of the maps from previous years. Date: 1849 Price: $95.00
	42. Diagram of the State of Illinois
	An exceptionally detailed GLO map. Shows unlabelled railroad land grant lines, as well as some survey work outside of the state, in neighboring parts of Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri. Map is in reference to act of Congress in 1850 regarding the reclamation of swamplands and the work of the GLO pursuant to this act. Date: 1852 Price: $75.00
	43. Diagram of the State of Illinois
	Most surveys in the state already under way or completed by this date except in north. Chicago, Springfield, Danville, Vandalia, Kaskaskia, and Galena are among the towns labeled, these being Land Office locations. Outline color in green and yellow. Date: 1837 Price: $95.00
	44. Diagram of the State of Illinois
	Most of state completed. Areas unfinished are shown in bright outline color with the delinquent surveyor's name and excuses noted. Towns marked include Chicago, Springfield, Danville, Palestine, others. Date: 1838 Price: $95.00
	45. Diagram of the State of Illinois
	Most of state completed. Unfinished areas shown in pink, yellow, orange outline color. Towns marked include, Chicago, Springfield, Danville, Palestine, others. Date: 1839 Price: $95.00
	46. Diagram of the State of Illinois
	Most of state completed. Unfinished areas shown in pink, yellow, green outline color. Towns marked include Chicago, Springfield, Danville, Palestine, others. Date: 1840 Price: $85.00
	47. Diagram of the State of Michigan
	Uses shading to show "the districts embraced in Contracts for Subdivisions North of Grand and Saganaw Rivers". Names of surveyors given for some areas in Upper Peninsula. Date: 1849 Price: $85.00
	48. Diagram of the State of Missouri
	Surveys in Missouri still in early stages by this date. Shows new and old western and northern borders. Outline color in green, yellow, and pink. Surveyors" names marked on certain districts. St. Louis, Jackson, Palmyra, Fayette, and Lexington are labelled. Date: 1838 Price: $95.00
	49. Diagram of the State of Missouri
	Shows old western boundary and old Indian boundary line to north. Jackson, Jefferson, St. Louis, Fayette, Palmyra, and Lexington are marked. Outline color in pink and yellow. Date: 1839 Price: $90.00
	50. Diagram of the State of Missouri
	Basic survey map with outline color in green, yellow, and pink. Mississippi and Missouri Rivers and some swamp and lake details in southeast. Towns of Jackson, St. Louis, Palmyra, Fayette, Jefferson, and Lexington are marked. Date: 1840 Price: $95.00