Title:
1814 Land Grant Signed by President James Madison – Mississippi Territory – JSA Certified
Description:
Presented here is a remarkable land grant document signed by President James Madison on September 24, 1814, during his second term as the fourth President of the United States. This historic 14" x 10" partially printed vellum document awards land in the Mississippi Territory to Perigrine Falconer, assignee of Thomas Freeman, based on payment made at the land office in Huntsville. The granted land is specified as "the southwest quarter of section twenty-four of township four, in range one west of the meridian line."
The document features Madison’s signature in the lower right portion, and also bears the signature of Edward Tiffin, Commissioner of the General Land Office. The presidential seal, though faint from age, is still affixed in the lower left. The writing is executed in dip pen, and the document remains in excellent condition with some paper loss, expected folds, minimal toning, and no major damage. Document will be shipped folded.
Historical Context:
This land grant was issued during the final phase of the War of 1812, a critical time in James Madison's presidency. The land lies within what was then the Mississippi Territory, a large area organized in 1798 and later split into the states of Mississippi and Alabama. Huntsville (present-day Alabama) had become a key land office site following American territorial expansion.
James Madison, known as the "Father of the Constitution," served as Secretary of State under Jefferson before ascending to the presidency in 1809. Land patents such as this one highlight Madison's role in promoting westward expansion and federal land policy during a formative era of U.S. growth.
Authentication & Encapsulation:
This document has been fully authenticated by James Spence Authentication (JSA), one of the leading autograph authentication services. The included Letter of Authenticity (LOA) confirms the genuineness of Madison's signature, as well as that of Edward Tiffin.
Closing Appeal:
This signed land grant represents a rare and tangible connection to early American expansion, the development of the Mississippi Territory, and the presidency of James Madison. Its clear provenance, strong condition, and certified authenticity make it a significant and desirable piece for collectors of presidential, early American, or land history documents.
