Sue, I am not sure where you live, but the best explanations of the system are found in the length introductions to the various volumes of "Cavaliers and Pioneers" by Nugent. Cavaliers and Pioneers are the abstracts of the land grants. It is important to note, however, that some surveys, etc. are recorded in county records, and if not actually continued to the actual grant phase contain additional information. These volumes are available in almost all libraries with a genealogy section. I found them in several libraries in SW Missouri and NW Oklahoma with populations in the 15 to 30 thousand people range. The Library of Virginia's website has a brief explanation at it's website: _http://www.lva.lib.va.us/whatwehave/local/va4_headrights.htm_ (http://www.lva.lib.va.us/whatwehave/local/va4_headrights.htm) The Library of Virginia also has a searchable database of all land grants here and images online, but unlike "Cavaliers and Pioneers" (C&P) the index is not complete in listing all persons/waterways/landmarks, etc. in the original patents. _http://ajax.lva.lib.va.us/F/?func=file&file_name=find-b-clas30&local_base=CLA S30_ (http://ajax.lva.lib.va.us/F/?func=file&file_name=find-b-clas30&local_base=CLAS30) The Library of Virginia website also has online a briefer explanation of the land grant process than in C&P here: _http://www.lva.lib.va.us/whatwehave/land/Research_Notes_20.pdf_ (http://www.lva.lib.va.us/whatwehave/land/Research_Notes_20.pdf) Among the most important things to remember is the fact that the headrights were sold and resold and resold, and when actually "used" to get a land grant, the location and date of such may have no relationship to the location and date of your ancestors' actual location or arrival time. Those have to be confirmed by ship records, court records, etc. Also, before the Revolution, you could get Virginia headrights by simply moving from another colony. Many folks on their way to the Carolinas from PA/MD/DE would stop in the Shenandoah Valley, for example, Perhaps with a large family. They'd get a headright for each, buy land, develop it, then sell it a few years later at a likely good profit if they got a good location, and move on to what had been their intended destination, as was the case with my Quaker Hadley/Marshall family. I hope this helps. There is probably more out there following Elizabeth's recommendation for a google search. Good Luck, Janet Hunter In a message dated 1/8/2009 9:17:00 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, WildHareSR@aol.com writes: would like to understand more fully the "headright" system used for acquiring land in Virginia. Can anyone please point me to a place or document that will explain it in some detail? I am interested in understanding what if any documentation may exist for those who came to Virginia under this system. I know that the West and Marvel families in my research started in Virginia under this system before moving north to MD and DE. **************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1215047751x1200957972/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072%26hmpgID=62%26bcd=De cemailfooterNO62)