Midwest Pioneers, 1600s-1800s

These twelve books cover Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, and Missouri families. They contain many records, including military and land records, census schedules, and family histories from various states, making them a highly valuable resource.

During the early days of the United States, many pioneers ventured westward in search of adventure and the chance to own and cultivate their land. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 played a pivotal role in this westward expansion. This federal law established the criteria for a territory to become a state and offered new land for citizens to settle on, with the promise of government support. One key provision of the Northwest Ordinance was that a territory with more than 60,000 inhabitants could petition for statehood. This population requirement strongly incentivized territories to attract immigrants and promote settlement within their borders.

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