Dividing the Land

Many property lines drawn in early America still survive today and continue to shape the landscape and character of the United States. In this study, Price examines the process by which land was divided into private property and distributed to settlers from the beginning of colonization to early nationhood. He covers most areas of the United States in which the initial division of land was controlled by colonial governments - the original 13 colonies and Maine, Vermont, Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee, Louisiana and Texas. By examining different land policies and the irregular pattern of property that resulted from them, Price chronicles the many ways colonies managed land to promote settlement, develop agriculture, defend frontiers, and attract investment. His analysis reveals as much about land-planning techiniques carried to America from Europe as innovations spurred by the circumstances of the new world. Price's analysis draws on his survey of property records from the first land plans in Virginia in 1607 to empresario grants in Texas in the 1820s. This data allows him to identify regional differences in allocating land, assess the impact of land planning by historical figures like William Penn of Pennsylvania and Lord Baltimore of Maryland, and trace changes in patterns of land division and ownership through transfers of power among Britain, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Mexico and the Republic of Texas.