Land Claim Collection

Oklahoma Territory opened to settlers, 1891
Homesteaders charge at the start signal, western Oklahoma Land Rush, 1891. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

EXPL2A-00265
Map of the territory ceded by Mexico to the US after the Mexican-American War, 1848-1853. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

EXPL2A-00128
Landing of Jean Nicolet on the Wisconsin shore of Lake Michigan, 1634, the first European to reach that region. Hand-colored halftone of a 19th-century illustration

Flag of France, 1700s
French flag marking La Verendrye expeditions claim of the northern Great Plains for France in 1743, Pierre, South Dakota. Digital photograph

EXPL2A-00269
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark expedition losing notes and specimens in a canoe accident on the upper Missouri River. Hand-colored woodcut reproduction of sketch by Patrick Goss

Columbus landing in the New World, 1492
First landing of Columbus in the New World, 1492. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Fort Mandan constructed by Lewis and Clark, 1803
Lewis and Clark expedition overwintering along the Missouri River near a Mandan village, 1803-1804. Hand-colored woodcut of a Patrick Goss drawing, a member of the expedition

Conflict between English and Dutch colonists in Connecticut
English and Dutch farmers quarreling in colonial Connecticut, 1600s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

EXPL2A-00123
Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto discovering the Mississippi River, 1540. Hand-colored engraving of a 19th-century illustration

EXPL2A-00035
Map of the Lewis and Clark route across Louisiana Territory, 1804-1806. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

US takes New Mexico during the Mexican-American War
Stephen Kearny captures New Mexico Territory from Mexico, 1846. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Walking Purchase land claim in colonial Pennsylvania
William Penns Walking Purchase agreement with Native Americans for as much land as a man could walk in 3 days. Hand-colored halftone reproduction of a 19th-century illustration

Dutch ship threatening English colonists in Connecticut
Dutch ship passing Fort Good Hope on the Connecticut shore of Long Island Sound, 1600s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

U. S. annexation of Hawaii cheered in Honolulu, 1898
Hawaiians receive news of annexation by the U.S. Honolulu, 1898. Hand-colored halftone reproduction of a 19th-century illustration

Oklahoma City settlement during the Land Rush, 1889
Founding of Oklahoma City during the land rush of 1889. Hand-colored woodcut reproduction of a 19th-century photograph

Tuscaroras capturing colonial surveyors in the Carolinas
Surveyors Lawson and DeGraffenried captured by Native Americans in the Carolinas, 1711. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

EXPL2A-00339
William Clarks letter accepting Lewiss invitation to join the Corps of Discovery expedition, dated Clarksville 1803. Printed halftone reproduction with a watercolor wash

EXPL2A-00351
Title page of the first publication of Lewis and Clarks journal and notes, 1814. Woodcut with a watercolor wash

Lewis and Clark monument at Fort Benton, Montana
Statue of Sacagawea guiding Lewis and Clark at Fort Benton, Montana. Photograph

PEXP2A-00051
Title page of Henri de Tontis account of the La Salle expedition. Woodcut with a watercolor wash of the English edition, printed in London 1698

EXPL2A-00115
Henry Hudson meeting with Native Americans along the Hudson River, 1609. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

EXPL2A-00057
Columbus bringing gifts from the New World to Queen Isabella of Spain 1492. Printed color lithograph of a 19th-century illustration

EXPL2A-00066
Landing of Columbus expedition on the island of Guanahane in 1492. Printed color lithograph of a 19th-century painting by Dioscoro Puebla

Surveyors claiming western Virginia for England
Royal surveyors marking trees with arrows in western Virginia, 1600s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

EXPL2A-00039
Map of the US in 1792, showing colonial claims on Oregon Territory. Printed color halftone of a 19th century illustration

EXPL2A-00191
Map showing land claims of the 13 original states in 1783. Printed color lithograph of a 19th-century illustration

EXPL2A-00210
Map of Oregon Territory showing boundary of US with English Canada under dispute until 1846. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

PEXP2A-00043
General John C. Fremont in his prairie uniform leading an expedition into western territory. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Guthrie, Oklahoma, opened to settlers, 1889
Settlers claiming lots in Guthrie, Oklahoma, 20 minutes after the first train arrived, 1889. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Site of Henri de Tontis French settlement, 1686
Replica of cross marking Henri de Tontis 1686 French trading settlement, Arkansas Post National Memorial, Arkansas. Digital photograph

EXPL2A-00171
Map showing the route of La Salles explorations in North America, late 1600s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

EXPL2A-00211
Father Juan de Padilla finds the cross set by Coronado, 1540s. Hand-colored halftone of a 19th-century illustration

EXPL2A-00260
De Soto discovering the Mississippi River after an overland journey, 1540. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th century illustration

EXPL2A-00329
Louis Joliets map of New France, 1673-1674, including the upper Mississippi River he and Jacques Marquette discovered. Hand-colored halftone reproduction

William Clarks invitation from Meriwether Lewis, 1804
Meriwether Lewiss letter inviting William Clark to join the expedition to explore the Louisiana Territory. Printed halftone reproduction with a watercolor wash

EXPL2A-00118
LaSalle at the mouth of the Mississippi River claims Louisiana for France 1682. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

EXPL2A-00092
Lewis and Clark shoot a grizzly bear, unknown to whites, during their exploration of Louisiana Territory. Hand-colored woodcut reproduction of sketch by Patrick Goss

EXPL2A-00056
Christopher Columbus taking possession of the New World for Spain, 1492 Printed color lithograph of a 19th-century illustration

EXPL2A-00087
Jacques Cartier on the summit of Mont Real, now Montreal, Canada, 1535. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

EXPL2A-00085
English Explorer John Cabot landing on the shore of Canada, 1484. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Cartiers landing place on the St Lawrence, Quebec
Replica cross marking Jacques Cartiers landing place on the St Lawrence River in Quebec. Digital photograph

English in Georgia against the Spanish at St. Augustine
James Oglethorpes expedition against the Spanish at St. Augustine, Florida. Hand-colored halftone reproduction of a 19th-century illustration

Prospector trespassing on the Ute Reservation, 1870s
White miner caught illegally prospecting on the Ute reservation, Colorado, 1870s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

EXPL2A-00041
Map of territorial growth of the United States from 1783-1867. Printed color lithograph of a 19th-century illustration

EXPL2A-00062
Map of the Louisiana Purchase as understood in 1803, later modified by treaty. Printed color lithograph of a 19th-century illustration

EXPL2A-00348
Fremont expedition raising the American flag on the Rockies, 1842. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

EXPL2A-00349
John C. Freemont planting the US flag on the Colorado Rockies, 1842. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

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"Land Claim: Tracing the Footsteps of History" Step back in time as we explore the fascinating world of land claims throughout history. From the Oklahoma Territory opening its doors to settlers in 1891, to Columbus' historic landing in the New World in 1492, these pivotal moments have shaped our world today. In the early 1700s, amidst a backdrop of political turmoil and change, France proudly waved its flag high. The Flag of France symbolized their claim over vast territories across continents. Fast forward to 1803 when Fort Mandan was constructed by Lewis and Clark during their legendary expedition. This strategic outpost marked not only their journey but also America's expansion westward. The conflict between English and Dutch colonists in Connecticut exemplified how land claims often sparked tensions among different groups vying for control and dominance. Moving further south, we witness the United States taking hold of New Mexico during the Mexican-American War. This conquest forever altered borders and reshaped nations. Closer to home, colonial Pennsylvania witnessed an infamous land claim known as "Walking Purchase. " This controversial agreement between Native Americans and William Penn's sons led to disputes that lasted for generations. Across oceans, Hawaii celebrated as it became part of American territory through U. S. Annexation in 1898. Honolulu erupted with joyous cheers marking a significant turning point for both nations involved. These snippets from history remind us that land claims have always been at the heart of human ambition, exploration, power struggles, and cultural clashes. They reflect our desire for ownership while shaping societies on local and global scales alike. As we delve into these stories filled with triumphs and controversies alike (EXPL2A-00128), let us appreciate how each land claim has left an indelible mark on our collective heritage (EXPL2A-00269).