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Montana
Research Outline
   

Table of Contents
Records Of The Family History Library
Family History Library Catalog
Archives And Libraries
Biography
Cemeteries
Census
Church Records
Court Records
Directories
Emigration And Immigration
Gazetteers
Genealogy
History
Land And Property
Maps
Military Records
Native Races
Naturalization And Citizenship
Newspapers
Periodicals
Probate Records
Vital Records
For Further Reading
Comments And Suggestions

LAND AND PROPERTYLook this term up in the glossary.


Federal Land Records

After 1862, settlers could apply for homestead landLook this term up in the glossary. in Montana through the General Land Office in Washington, D.C. Eventually they could apply for land through eight local land offices. The first local land officeLook this term up in the glossary. was established in Helena in 1867.

The land office records are at the National Archives Records Administration—Rocky Mountain Region (Denver). The county courthouses also have records of patents on homesteads. Tract booksLook this term up in the glossary., township platsLook this term up in the glossary., and pre-1908 patentLook this term up in the glossary. records are at the:

Montana State Office of the Bureau of Land ManagementLook this term up in the glossary. (BLM)
222 North 32nd Street
P.O. Box 36800
Billings, MT 59107-6800
Telephone: 406-255-2885
Fax: 406-255-2894
The bureau's office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., mountain time.

The Family History Library has copies of the federal land tract books for Montana (FHL films 1444840-909). See the United States Research Outline for more information on these records.


County Land Records

After land was transferred to private ownership, it could be sold again, inherited, lost by foreclosureLook this term up in the glossary. of a mortgageLook this term up in the glossary., or redistributed through a divorce. These transactions are recorded in the deedLook this term up in the glossary. and mortgage records kept by the county recorder. The records usually have both grantee (buyer) and grantor (seller) indexes.

The county recorder also has records of patents on timber and mining claims as well as real property assessment books and plat books.

The Family History Library does not have copies of the county land records.

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