Post-Revolutionary War to Civil War
Very Rare 1863 Michigan "Indian Land Certificate" 80 Acres of Land per terms of the "Treaty of August 2, 1855"
November 28, 1863-Dated, Partly-Printed Document, Chippewas of Saginaw "Indian Land Certificate" Signed, "D.C. Leach" Indian Agent. Michigan, Litho. S.D. Elwood, Stationer, Detroit, Fine.
This Land Document measures about 11.5" x 8.75", 1 page, having a Vignette of Seated Liberty at top center and two vignettes of Native American braves at left and lower right. Printed on light tan wove period paper in black and fully completed in manuscript with some light tone, folds and wrinkles. Being an "Indian Land Certificate" granting "William Smith" (Say-qsihy-nurd) 80 acres of land under the terms of the "Treaty of August 2, 1855". He selected the "West half of the North West Quarter of Section '2' Two in township fifteen North range..." Under the treaty, the United States agreed to withdraw from sale certain public lands within Michigan, setting them aside for the use of the Native American tribes of the region. As part of the agreement, the Chippewas of Saginaw and of Swan Creek and Black River, ceded lands within Michigan which had been owned by them as reservations. A rare, yet sad displacement of Native Americans in 19th century America.