In a message dated 11/28/99 3:42:22 PM Mountain Standard Time, GABURKE-D-request@rootsweb.com writes: > What exactly was the land lottery? Actually, the State of Georgia passed several Land Lottery Acts - this had nothing to do with the Federal government. The Lotteries were meant to encourage settlement of new lands acquired (by fair means or foul) from the Indians. Lotteries were held in 1805, 1807, 1820, 1821, 1827, 1832, and another in 1832. The Lotteries each had different requirements for entry (i.e., a family got 2 draws, bachelors got one, widow and orphans had provisions, soldiers eventually got extra draws). Registration also had a provision of Georgia residency, usually three years prior to registering -- this can be quite helpful in timing the moves of your family. All the lotteries lists have been published. But be careful when you use the Land Lottery books -- some list all registrants, others list only the winners. Winners could purchase the lot that they won, usually 202 1/2 acres, for small monetary amounts ($10-$20), but often sold the lot to a speculator because they didn't want to move onto the frontier of the settlement. The Land Lottery lists are a very useful resource. Good luck in your searches! Nancy Mann