Many property lines drawn in early America still survive today and continue to shape the landscape and character of the United States. Surprisingly, though, no one until now has thoroughly examined the process by which land was divided into private property and distributed to settlers from the beginning of colonization to early nationhood. In this unprecedented study, Edward T. Price covers most areas of the United States in which the initial division of land was controlled by colonial governments—the original thirteen 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 unique circumstances of the new world. Price’s analysis draws on his thorough survey of property records from the first land plans in Virginia in 1607 to empresario grants in Texas in the 1820s. This breadth of 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.

Complete with headnotes, summaries of decisions, statements of cases, points and authorities of counsel, annotations, tables, and parallel references.

Includes the proceedings of the Society.

"An updated version of a guide to (Maryland) . . . prepared by the Works Progress Administration . . . (last updated in 1976). Detailed historical information accompanies driving and walking tours throughout the state".--"Baltimore Magazine". 192 illustrations, including archival and new photos.

"The New York, Philadelphia & Norfolk line"--Back cover.

As the ship Charity sails from Bristol, England, in 1638 two very different women make the perilous voyage to Lord Baltimore's new colony in the wilderness on the far shore of the Atlantic Ocean. Margaret Brent is of aristocratic birth and determined to make a life for herself. Anicah Sparrow is a teenaged pickpocket kidnapped and transported to the a New World in need of laborers. In the rowdy, irreverent new settlement, both women will find a future they could not have imagined.