State Historical Society of Iowa

Deed of Land Sale to Meskwaki, July 13, 1857

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This document is the deed for the sale of land to the Meskwaki in Tama County, Iowa in July of 1857.
Courtesy of Tama County Courthouse, 13 July 1857

Description

This deed is for the sale of 80 acres of land to the Meskwaki. After petitioning the Iowa legislature, the Meskwaki were granted permission to purchase land in 1857. The purchase of land by an American Indian tribe in 1857 was unusual. Unlike other tribes who were removed to Indian Territory after the Indian Removal Act of 1830, the Meskwaki in Iowa did not live on a reservation because of this document.

Full Transcript of Deed of Land Sale to Meskwaki

Transcribed Excerpt from Deed of Land Sale to Meskwaki

Source-Dependent Questions

  • According to this deed, what role did Iowa’s governor play in the sale of land to the Meskwaki?
  • Who made the final approval of the sale? Why is this important?

Citation Information

"Meskwaki Deed," 13 July 1857. Courtesy of Tama County Courthouse