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The existing land records are found at the National Archives, in Rio de Janeiro, and at the various state and municipal archives. You might be able to use land records for your research if you can visit the Brazilian archives in person or hire a local professional researcher. | The existing land records are found at the National Archives, in Rio de Janeiro, and at the various state and municipal archives. You might be able to use land records for your research if you can visit the Brazilian archives in person or hire a local professional researcher. | ||
The early sesmarias (land grants) were issued by the donatarios, captain generals, and viceroys. Originally large grants of land were made. In 1695 single grants were limited to four leagues (1 league = 3 miles, about 4.83 kilometers) by one league. In 1697 the grants were reduced to three leagues by one league. In 1699 all land not under cultivation was to be expropriated. | The early '''sesmarias''' (land grants) were issued by the '''donatarios''', captain generals, and viceroys. Originally large grants of land were made. In 1695 single grants were limited to four leagues (1 league = 3 miles, about 4.83 kilometers) by one league. In 1697 the grants were reduced to three leagues by one league. In 1699 all land not under cultivation was to be expropriated. | ||
The land grants (sesmarias) collection in the National Archives contains 5,000 volumes for 1590 to 1830 for the state of Rio de Janeiro. They are described as one of the three most important genealogical records in Brazil. They contain information similar to that in inheritance records, including the names of spouses and children, residences, dates, relationships, petitions, and so forth. | The land grants (sesmarias) collection in the National Archives contains 5,000 volumes for 1590 to 1830 for the state of Rio de Janeiro. They are described as one of the three most important genealogical records in Brazil. They contain information similar to that in inheritance records, including the names of spouses and children, residences, dates, relationships, petitions, and so forth. | ||