News

Georgia Lottery Gives Land Away

07/21/06

KENNESAW, GA – An early lottery in Georgia set widows and other Georgia settlers up with land during the 1800’s. After several land frauds in the 1790s, the new land lottery system was needed to minimize former land shams. In 1805, Georgia became the first land lottery experiment in the United States and was so successful that seven land lotteries in this state alone followed.

Paul K. Graham, historical researcher and published author, will explore the impact of these early 1800s land lotteries on both Native Americans and Georgia settlers at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History on August 12 from 2 – 3 PM.

Graham is the author of 1805 Georgia Land Lottery Persons Entitled to Draws and 1805 Georgia Land Lottery Fortunate Drawers and Grantees. The first book is an index that represents most of the households in the state and everyone who participated in the 1805 land lottery, and is considered invaluable since the Georgia Census of 1800 has been lost. Graham lives in Atlanta and specializes in genealogical problem solving, Georgia land records, and African American family history.

“I always enjoy solving any kind of historical puzzle,” he states on his website.

The lecture is free of charge.A Smithsonian Institution affiliate, the Southern Museum features collections of rare Civil War weapons, uniforms, and other personal items; an exciting exhibit about The Great Locomotive Chase, including a short movie; a full-scale replica of a locomotive factory that helped rebuild the South after the war; and through May, a traveling exhibit featuring photographs of the people who dedicated their lives to the railroad.The Southern Museum is located 20 miles north of Atlanta, off I-75 at exit 273.  Click here for visitor information, or call (770) 427-2117.