Previous Jurisdictions to Land in Arizona: Difference between revisions

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===Previous Jurisdictions and Record Repositories ===
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Locating records of your ancestors
*Find where your ancestor lived
*Identify when your ancestor live there
*Locate the jurisdiction covering the land where your ancestor lived
*Determine the record repositories for that jurisdiction


=== Locating Previous Jurisdictions and Record Repositories  ===
For example, suppose you believe your ancestor lived in Tucson, Arizona in 1861.
*In the present day, Tucson is indeed located in the State of Arizona.
*But Arizona didn't exist in 1856. Arizona Territory wasn't created until 1863.
*Before that, the land belonged to New Mexico Territory, which was created in 1850. Your ancestor lived in New Mexico Territory. This jurisdiction still exists today as the State of New Mexico.
*In 1853, the US bought the Gadsden Purchase from Mexico, which contained land south of the Gila River. This is the land where Tucson is located. In 1854, this land was given to New Mexico Territory and in 1855 this land was added to Dona Ana county.
*Then in 1860, New Mexico created Arizona county from the land in Dona Ana county that existed in the present day State of Arizona. Your ancestor lived in Arizona County in the New Mexico Territory. But Arizona county was discontinued in 1862, then recreated in 1863 and finally discontinued again when Arizona Territory was created in 1863. The records from this extinct county are to be found in Dona Ana County, which exists today.
Putting this altogether, your ancestor actually lived in Tucson, Arizona County, New Mexico Territory in 1861. Therefore look for records in Tucson, Dona Ana County, and the State of New Mexico archives.


When looking for records, First learn the history of the area for the time period being researched. This will help identify the location of the records in the present day.
Sometimes, records were recorded in a county where your ancestor did not live. Maybe there was confusion as to where the borders were. Or maybe it was a shorter distance to the neighboring county seat. There could be several reasons, so don't overlook records in nearby counties. But treat this as the exception to the rule and check the most obvious county first.


*Determine where your ancestors lived and when they lived there
===From 1846 To 1863 ===
*Determine the jurisdiction your ancestors lived in and where its records were stored
*Determine if that jurisdiction exists today and where its records are now located
*Determine if any records were moved to a different jurisdiction


For example, suppose you were told your ancestor lived in Tucson, Arizona Territory in 1861. Research the actual jurisdiction and record repository.
18 Aug 1846 -  During the war with [[Mexico]], the US took control of Santa Fe and proclaimed sovereignty over the land that later became the [[New Mexico]] Territory.<ref>Williams 108-110</ref> Look for records in the Mexico [[Mexico Archives and Libraries|Archives]] and the [http://www.nmcpr.state.nm.us/archives/archives_hm.htm New Mexico State Records Center and Archives].


*In the present day, Tucson is indeed located in Arizona. But the US didn't create the Arizona Territory until 1863. Before that, Tucson officially belonged to New Mexico Territory, which was created in 1850. Therefore your ancestor lived in New Mexico Territory. This jurisdiction exists today as the State of New Mexico.  
4 July 1848 -  The US obtained clear title to the previous [[Mexico]] land. Through the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, Mexico ceded all of present day [[California]], [[Nevada]], and [[Utah]], and parts of present day [[Arizona]], [[Colorado]], [[New Mexico]], and [[Wyoming]]. Part of the international boundary was in dispute.<ref>U.S. Stat., vol. 9, pp. 922-943; Parry, 102: 29-59; Van Zandt, 11, 28-29; Walker and Bufkin, 19, 20A</ref> The land south of the Gila River in present day Arizona was not ceded, it remained in control of Mexico. Look for records in the [http://www.archives.gov/ National Archives and Records Administration], the Mexico [[Mexico Archives and Libraries|Archives]] and the [http://www.nmcpr.state.nm.us/archives/archives_hm.htm New Mexico State Records Center and Archives].
*In February 1860, New Mexico created Arizona county from the land in Dona Ana county. Arizona County existed totally within the present day State of Arizona and contained Tucson. Therefore your ancestor lived in Arizona County in New Mexico Territory. But Arizona county was discontinued in 1862. The records from this extinct county reverted to Dona Ana County, which still exists in the State of New Mexico.
*Putting this altogether - your ancestor lived in Tucson, Arizona County, New Mexico Territory, USA in 1861. So look for records at the archives in Tucson, Dona Ana County, and the State of New Mexico. There may also be records held by the United States.


But in Tucson in 1861, the picture was far from clear as to what jurisdiction your ancestor was a part.
13 Dec 1850 - The US created the [[New Mexico]] Territory from unorganized federal land.<ref>U.S. Stat., vol. 9, ch. 49[1850]/pp. 446-452; Baldwin, 117-137; Van Zandt, 28-29, 162-165</ref> This territory named after the country of Mexico. Some counties were created, but they were small and covered land only in present day New Mexico. The land in the present day Arizona was at that time unorganized county land. Also the land south of the Gila River still belonged to [[Mexico]]. Look for records in the Mexico [[Mexico Archives and Libraries|Archives]] and the [http://www.nmcpr.state.nm.us/archives/archives_hm.htm New Mexico State Records Center and Archives].


*In April 1860, an unofficial convention held in Tucson declared the southern portion of New Mexico Territory as a new Arizona Territory and set up a territorial government. Four counties were created and one of them was the county of Ewell where Tucson was located. Then in 1861, this territory declared itself a confederate territory and petitioned the Confederate States of America. But by June 1862, any Confederate government would have been shut down as the US Army gained control of this Arizona Territory.
9 Jan 1852 - New Mexico redefined the boundaries of previous counties and created new ones to cover all the land within its territory. The boundaries of [[Bernalillo County, New Mexico|Bernalillo]], [[Rio Arriba County, New Mexico|Rio Arriba]], [[Santa Ana County, New Mexico|Santa Ana (extinct)]],  [[Taos County, New Mexico|Taos]], and [[Valencia County, New Mexico|Valencia]] counties were stretched across present day [[Arizona]] and [[Nevada]] to the California border.<ref>N.M. Terr. Laws 1851, 1st assy., 2d sess. /p. 292</ref> Look for records in [http://www.bernco.gov/ Bernalillo], [http://www.rio-arriba.org/ Rio Arriba], [http://www.taoscounty.org/ Taos], and [http://www.co.valencia.nm.us/ Valencia] counties.<br>
*Putting this altogether - your ancestor lived in Tucson, Ewell county, Arizona Territory, CSA. So look for records at the archives in Tucson. It is unknown where the records are located for this Confederate Arizona Territory or for Ewell county. More research needs to be done. There may also be Confederate records.
9 Jan 1852 - New Mexico redefined the boundaries of previous counties and created new ones to cover all the land within its territory. The boundary of [[Socorro County, New Mexico|Socorro County]] was stretched across present day [[Arizona]] to the California border.<ref>N.M. Terr. Laws 1851, 1st assy., 1st sess./p. 119; N.M. Terr. Laws 1851, 1st assy., 2d sess. /pp. 266, 292</ref> Look for records in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socorro_County,_New_Mexico Socorro County].<br>
9 Jan 1852 - New Mexico redefined the boundaries of previous counties and created new ones to cover all the land within its territory. The boundary of [[Dona Ana County, New Mexico|Dona Ana County]] was stretched to include land in present day Arizona.<ref>N.M. Terr. Laws 1851, 1st assy., 1st sess./p. 119; N.M. Terr. Laws 1851, 1st assy., 2d sess. /pp. 266, 292</ref> Look for records in [http://www.co.dona-ana.nm.us/ Dona Ana County].


Also remember, records of your ancestor were sometimes recorded in a county or jurisdiction next-door to where your ancestor lived. Maybe there was confusion as to where the borders lay. Or maybe it was a shorter distance to the neighboring county seat. But treat this as the exception to the rule and check the most obvious place first.
30 Dec 1853 - The US bought the Gadsden Purchase from Mexico. It contained lands south of the Gila River in present day [[Arizona]] and [[New Mexico]]. It also settled the International boundary dispute between the [[United States]] and [[Mexico]].<ref>U.S. Stat., vol. 10, pp. 1031-1037; Van Zandt, 11, 29, 162</ref> Look for records in the [http://www.archives.gov/ National Archives and Records Administration], the Mexico [[Mexico Archives and Libraries|Archives]], and the [http://www.nmcpr.state.nm.us/archives/archives_hm.htm New Mexico State Records Center and Archives].


=== From the 1600s to 1846 - Spanish and Mexican land that would later become part of Arizona  ===
4 Aug 1854 - The land acquired in the Gadsden Purchase was officially added to [[New Mexico]] Territory, it became non-county land.<ref>U.S. Stat., vol. 10, ch. 245[1854]/p. 575; Van Zandt, 162; Walker and Bufkin, 21-22</ref> Look for records in the [http://www.nmcpr.state.nm.us/archives/archives_hm.htm New Mexico State Records Center and Archives].


From the 1600's, Spain laid claim to all of the land in present day Arizona. But because of the great distances and the hostilities of the Indian tribes, Spanish rule extended effectively only to the southern portion of this area, and sometimes not even that much. Tucson was the only permanent town established, because of the military garrison there.  
3 Feb 1855 - [[Dona Ana County, New Mexico|Dona Ana County]] gained all the land acquired in the Gadsden Purchase.<ref>N.M. Terr. Laws 1854, 4th assy. /p. 57</ref> The boundary was stretched across present day Arizona to the Baja California border. Look for records in [http://www.co.dona-ana.nm.us/ Dona Ana County].  


Spain established the practice of giving land grants to encourage settlement on the fringes of their rule. There are no Spanish land grants recognized by the US for the land in present day Arizona. Mexico continued the practice of giving land grants. All Mexican land grants recognized by the US for the land in present day Arizona are shown below. They are located in the Gadsden Purchase, south and east of Tucson. Look for records in the following places:
1 Feb 1860 -  New Mexico created [[Arizona County, New Mexico (Extinct)|Arizona County]] from land in [[Dona Ana County, New Mexico|Dona Ana County]].<ref>N.M. Terr. Laws 1859-1860, 9th assy. /p. 74</ref> Arizona County was located entirely within present day Arizona. Look for records in [http://www.co.dona-ana.nm.us/ Dona Ana County].


[[Image:Arizona+Land+Grants.jpg|left|601px|Arizona+Land+Grants.jpg]]
12 Jan 1861 - New Mexico created San Juan (original, extinct) from land in [[Taos County, New Mexico|Taos County]].<ref>N.M. Terr. Laws 1860-1861, 10th assy. /p. 16</ref> Look for records in [http://www.taoscounty.org/ Taos County].


<br>
18 Jan 1862 - New Mexico discontinued San Juan (original, extinct) returning the land to [[Taos County, New Mexico|Taos County]].<ref>N.M. Terr. Laws 1861-1862, 11th assy. /p. 16</ref> Look for records in [http://www.taoscounty.org/ Taos County]. <br>
[http://www.azarchivesonline.org/xtf/view?docId=ead/uoa/UAMS312.xml;query=;brand=default Records relating to Cases Decided by the United States <br>Court of Private Land Claims, Arizona District]
18 Jan 1862 - New Mexico discontinued [[Arizona County, New Mexico (Extinct)|Arizona County]] returning the land to [[Dona Ana County, New Mexico|Dona Ana County]].<ref>N.M. Terr. Laws 1861-1862, 11th assy. /p. 18</ref> Look for records in [http://www.co.dona-ana.nm.us/ Dona Ana County].


<br>
28 Jan 1863 - New Mexico re-created [[Arizona County, New Mexico (Extinct)|Arizona County]] from [[Dona Ana County, New Mexico|Dona Ana County]].<ref>N.M. Terr. Laws 1862-1863, 12th assy. /p.30</ref> Look for records in [http://www.co.dona-ana.nm.us/ Dona Ana County].
[http://www.legalgenealogist.com/blog/2012/06/27/the-thirteen-year-court/ The Thirteen-year Court]


<br>
===From 1863 To Now ===
[http://content.library.arizona.edu/cdm/ U of A Libraries Digital Collections]


<br>
24 Feb 1863 - The US created the [[Arizona]] Territory from the western half of [[New Mexico]] Territory.<ref>U.S. Stat., vol. 12, ch. 56[1863]/pp. 664-665; Ariz. Terr. Laws 1864, 1st assy./ pp. vii-viii; Van Zandt, 162</ref> All previous counties were discontinued for this new territory. Look for records in the [http://www.azlibrary.gov/Default.aspx Arizona State Library] and [http://www.nmcpr.state.nm.us/archives/archives_hm.htm New Mexico State Records Center and Archives] <br><br>
[https://newmexicohistory.org/places/land-grants/ Land Claims]
10 Nov 1864 - Arizona created four counties: [[Mohave County, Arizona|Mohave]], [[Pima County, Arizona|Pima]], [[Yavapai County, Arizona|Yavapai]], and [[Yuma County, Arizona|Yuma]] counties.<ref>Howell Code, Ariz. Terr. Laws 1864, 1st assy., ch. 2/ pp. 24-25</ref> All four of these counties named for Indian tribes. Look for records in [http://www.mohavecounty.us/ Mohave], [http://www.pima.gov/ Pima], [http://www.yavapai.us/ Yavapai], and [http://www.co.yuma.az.us/ Yuma] counties.<br><br>
22 Dec 1865 - Arizona created [[Pah-Ute County, Arizona|Pah-Ute County]] from the northern half of [[Mohave County, Arizona|Mohave County]].<ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1865, 2d assy./ pp. 19-20</ref> This county named for the Paiute Indians, using the spelling of that day. Both Mohave and Pah-Ute counties covered land which was later given to Nevada. Look for records in [http://www.mohavecounty.us/ Mohave County].<br><br>
5 May 1866 - The US removed the northwest corner from [[Arizona]] Territory (parts of [[Pah-Ute County, Arizona|Pah-Ute]] and [[Mohave County, Arizona|Mohave]] counties) and gave that land to the State of [[Nevada]].<ref>U.S. Stat., vol. 14, ch. 73[1866]/p. 43; Van Zandt, 158, 165; Ariz. Terr. Laws 1867, 3rd assy./ pp. 67-68; Ariz. Terr. Laws 1868, 4th assy./ pp. 68-69</ref> Nevada used that land to add to [[Lincoln County, Nevada|Lincoln]] and [[Nye County, Nevada|Nye]] counties. But Arizona previously had claim to that land and opposed this transfer, twice petitioning congress to repeal the law. Up thru 1868, representatives from Pah-Ute County attended the Arizona Legislature. Look for records in [http://www.lincolncountynv.org/about/county.htm Lincoln], [http://www.nyecounty.net/ Nye], and [http://www.mohavecounty.us/ Mohave]counties.<br><br>
18 Feb 1869 - [[Utah]] also laid claim to land in the southeastern corner of Nevada by creating [[Rio Virgin County, Utah|Rio Virgin County]] from land in [[Washington County, Utah]]; as well as land outside of Utah in Nevada and Arizona.<ref>Utah Terr. Laws 1869, 18th sess., ch. 10/p. 7; Atlas of Utah, 163-164</ref> This county named for the Virgin River. Look for records in [http://www.washco.utah.gov/ Washington], [http://www.lincolncountynv.org/about/county.htm Lincoln], [http://www.nyecounty.net/ Nye], and [http://www.mohavecounty.us/ Mohave] counties.<br><br>
14 Feb 1871 - Arizona created [[Maricopa County, Arizona|Maricopa County]] from land in [[Yavapai County, Arizona|Yavapai County]].<ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1871, 6th assy./ pp. 53-54</ref> This county named for the Maricopa Indians. Look for records in [http://www.maricopa.gov/ Maricopa] and [http://www.yavapai.us/ Yavapai] counties.<br>
18 Feb 1871 - Arizona discontinued [[Pah-Ute County, Arizona|Pah-Ute County]].<ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1871, 6th assy./ p. 87</ref> In effect, withdrawing claim to that land after exhausting all legal recourse. The remnant of Pah-Ute County still in Arizona was returned to Mohave County. Look for records in  [http://www.mohavecounty.us/ Mohave County].<br><br>
16 Feb 1872 - Utah discontinued [[Rio Virgin County, Utah|Rio Virgin County]].<ref>Utah Terr. Laws 1872, 20th sess., ch. 19, sec. 2/p. 28</ref> In effect, withdrawing claim to that land after exhausting all legal recourse. The remnant of Rio Virgin County still in Utah was returned to [[Washington County, Utah|Washington County]]. Look for records in [http://www.washco.utah.gov/ Washington County].<br><br>
1 Feb 1875 - Arizona created [[Pinal County, Arizona|Pinal County]] from lands in [[Maricopa County, Arizona|Maricopa]] and [[Pima County, Arizona|Pima]] counties.<ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1875, 8th assy./ pp. 19-20</ref> This county named for the Pinal Indians. Look for records in [http://www.maricopa.gov/ Maricopa],  [http://www.pima.gov/ Pima], and [http://pinalcountyaz.gov/Pages/Home.aspx Pinal] counties.<br><br>
14 Feb 1879 - Arizona created [[Apache County, Arizona|Apache County]] from land in [[Yavapai County, Arizona|Yavapai County]].<ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1879, 10th assy./ pp. 96-97</ref> This county named for the Apache Indians. Look for records in [http://www.co.apache.az.us/ Apache] and [http://www.yavapai.us/ Yavapai] counties.<br><br>
1 Feb 1881 - Arizona created [[Cochise County, Arizona|Cochise County]] from the eastern part of [[Pima County, Arizona|Pima County]].<ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1881, 11th assy./ pp. 4-7</ref> This county named for Cochise, the great Apache warrior who had died seven years before. Look for records in [http://www.cochise.az.gov/ Cochise] and [http://www.pima.gov/ Pima] counties.<br>
8 Feb 1881 - Arizona created [[Gila County, Arizona|Gila County]] from lands in [[Maricopa County, Arizona|Maricopa]] and [[Pima County, Arizona|Pima County]] counties.<ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1881, 11th assy./ pp. 14-17</ref> This county named for the Gila River. Look for records in the [http://www.gilacountyaz.gov/ Gila], [http://www.maricopa.gov/ Maricopa], and [http://www.pima.gov/ Pima] counties.<br>
10 Mar 1881 - Arizona created [[Graham County, Arizona|Graham County]] from lands in [[Apache County, Arizona|Apache]] and [[Pima County, Arizona|Pima]] counties.<ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1881, 11th assy./ pp. 155-157</ref> This county named for an early Arizona pioneer. Look for records in [http://www.co.apache.az.us/ Apache], [http://www.graham.az.gov/Graham_CMS/default.aspx Graham], and [http://www.pima.gov/ Pima] counties.<br><br>
19 Feb 1891 - Arizona created [[Coconino County, Arizona|Coconino County]] from land in [[Yavapai County, Arizona|Yavapai County]].<ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1891, 16th assy./ pp. 26-34</ref> This county named for the Coconino Indians. Look for records in [http://www.coconino.az.gov/ Coconino] and [http://www.yavapai.us/ Yavapai] counties.<br><br>
21 Mar 1895 - Arizona created [[Navajo County, Arizona|Navajo County]] from the west half of [[Apache County, Arizona|Apache County]].<ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1895, 18th assy./ pp. 96-105</ref> This county named for the Navajo Indians. Look for records in [[Apache County, Arizona|Apache]] and [http://www.navajocountyaz.gov/ Navajo] counties.<br><br>
15 Mar 1899 - Arizona created [[Santa Cruz County, Arizona|Santa Cruz County]] from land in [[Pima County, Arizona|Pima County]].<ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1899, 20th assy./ pp. 49-57</ref> This county named for the Santa Cruz River. Look for records in [http://www.pima.gov/ Pima] and [http://www.co.santa-cruz.az.us/ Santa Cruz] counties.<br><br>
10 Mar 1909 - Arizona created [[Greenlee County, Arizona|Greenlee County]] from land in [[Graham County, Arizona|Graham County]].<ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1909, 25th assy./ pp. 43-56</ref> This county named for an early Arizona pioneer. Look for records in [http://www.graham.az.gov/Graham_CMS/default.aspx Graham] and [http://www.co.greenlee.az.us/ Greenlee] counties.<br><br>
27 Apr 1983 - Arizona created [[La Paz County, Arizona|La Paz County]] from the northern half of [[Yuma County, Arizona|Yuma County]].<ref>Ariz. Laws 1983, 36th assy., ch. 291/pp. 1089-1094</ref> This county named for the town of La Paz, Arizona. Look for records in [http://www.co.la-paz.az.us/ La Paz] and [http://www.co.yuma.az.us/ Yuma] counties.


<br>
===References ===
[[United States Private Land Claims|Private land claims]]


<br>
{{reflist}}
[[Mexico Archives and Libraries|Spain and Mexico Archives]]
 
<br><br><br>
{| cellspacing="0" border="1"
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|style=padding-left:10px|1820 - San Bernardino land grant. Lieutenant Ignacio de Perez petitioned for a grant of 4 sitios of land. It was surveyed in 1821 and an auction was held in Arispe, Mexico in May 1822. Perez held the wining bid of $90 and witnesses testified that Perez had enough livestock to start a ranch. A record of the grant was filed, but no title was issued. In 1900, the Court of Private Land Claims confirmed 2,366.5 acres on the American side, the rest being in Mexico. After a survey, it was determined that this land grant was actually 2,383.86 acres.<ref>Early Arizona: Prehistory to Civil War, by Jay J. Wagoner, The University of Arizona Press, Tucson, Arizona,  pp 197-200</ref>
 
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|style=padding-left:10px|September 1820 - Ignacio de la Canoa land grant. Thomas and Ignacio Ortiz, residents of Tubac petitioned the intendent of Occidente for 4 sitios to raise cattle and horses. The land was surveyed by Elias Gonzalez, commander of the Tubac garrison. It was appraised at $120. At the auction held 13 - 15 December 1821, the two brothers held the wining bid of $250. No title was given at that time. In 1849 the brothers presented themselves at Ures, Sonora and were given a title for their own protection.<br> Frederick Maish and Thomas Driscoll bought a controlling interest in the Canoa land grant from the Ortiz heirs. On 27 Nov 1899, the Court of Private Land Claims confirmed 17, 208.333 acres of the original grant.<ref>Early Arizona: Prehistory to Civil War, by Jay J. Wagoner, The University of Arizona Press, Tucson, Arizona, pp 166-172</ref>
 
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|style=padding-left:10px|1821 - San Jose de Sonoita land grant. Leon Herreras, rancher and resident of Tubac, petitioned for 2 sitios of land to pasture his heard of cattle. The survey was done by Ignacio Elias Gonzalez. Herreras bought the land at public auction for $105 plus fees. A title was issued in 1825 by the commissary-general of the new Mexican state of Occidente.<br> In 1857, the Herreras heirs sold this land grant. After several tranfers, the grant was acquired by Matias Alsua. In 1892, the Court of Private Land Claims rejected his title to the land. But in 1898, the Supreme Court reversed the decision. Title was confirmed for 5,123.42 acres.<ref>Early Arizona: Prehistory to Civil War, by Jay J. Wagoner, The University of Arizona Press, Tucson, Arizona, pp 185-188</ref>
 
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|style=padding-left:10px|19 July 1821 - San Rafael de la Zanja land grant. Manuel Bustillo, a cattleman living in the presidio of Santa Cruz, petitioned for this land grant. It was surveyed by Captain Ignacio Elias Gonzalez and appraised for $210. At the auction held 8 Jan 1822, Don Ramond Romero held the wining bid of $1200 plus $97 in fees connected with the sale. Title was issued on 15 May 1825 at Arispe, Mexico by the Commissary General.<br> Romero lived until 1873. But after his death, title to this land grant was in doubt, until Dr. Alfred A. Green obtain controlling interest. On 20 June 1880, Green sold the San Rafael land to Rollin Rice Richardson, an oil man from Pennsylvania. Then in 1883, Richardson sold this grant to Colin Cameron. Dr Green then brought suit in the Court of Private Land Claims against Cameron and Harvey L. Christie, plus other defendants. But title to the San Rafael grant was confirmed to Cameron and Christie for 17,354 acres. In 1902, the Supreme Court upheld this decision in all aspects.<ref>Early Arizona: Prehistory to Civil War, by Jay J. Wagoner, The University of Arizona Press, Tucson, Arizona, pp 177-184</ref>
 
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|style=padding-left:10px|24 Aug 1821 - The Treaty of Cordoba was signed by [[Spain Genealogy|Spain]], which recognized [[Mexico Genealogy|Mexico]]'s independence.<ref>Beers, 100; "Mexican War of Independence," New Handbook of Texas, 4:698</ref> The land in present day Arizona became part of Mexico. Land north of the Gila River was claimed by the State of Alta California and the State of New Mexico. Land south of the Gila River was in the State of Sonora. Look for records in the [[Mexico Archives and Libraries|Spain and Mexico Archives]].
 
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|style=padding-left:10px|1826 - Maria Santisima del Carmen, also know as Buenavista land grant. Francisco Jose de Tuvera petitioned for a deserted rancho. He died during the procedings and the application was then sought in the name of his widow, Dona Josefa Morales. Title was not issued until 24 Oct 1831 because the land had to be resurveyed.<br> The grant was purchased at the appraised price of $190 and occupied by Tuvera's heirs until 1851, then sold to Hilario Gabilando. In 1872, the tract was transfered to Jose Maria Quiroga for $500. In 1879, the tract was sold again to Frederick Maish and Thomas Driscoll for $2000. In 1899, the grant was confirmed to Maish and Driscoll by the Court of Private Land Claims for 5,733.41 acres. The rest of this land grant being in Mexico. <ref>Early Arizona: Prehistory to Civil War, by Jay J. Wagoner, The University of Arizona Press, Tucson, Arizona, pp 172-177</ref>
 
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|style=padding-left:10px|1827 - San Ignacio del Babocomari land grant. Don Ignacio Elias Gonzalez and Dona Eulalia Elias Gonzales petitioned for a tract of 8 sitios of land for rasing cattle and horses. The land was auctioned and purchased by the petitioners the following year. The price was $380 for slightly more than 54 square miles of land. The title was issued at Arispe, Mexico on 25 Dec 1832.<br> By 1877, Dr. Edward B. Perrin had purchased all the rights to the Babocomari. On 23 June 1881, he sold the land for $16,000 to his brother Robert Perrin, who had the land recorded in Cochise County. But the Court of Private Land Claims rejected the claim. Then in 1898 the Supreme Court reversed that judgement. Title was confirmed for 34,723.028 acres. Robert Perrin sold the land back to his brother Edward. The Letter of Patent dated 16 May 1904 gave title to Dr. Perrin.<ref>Early Arizona: Prehistory to Civil War, by Jay J. Wagoner, The University of Arizona Press, Tucson, Arizona, pp 188-192</ref>
 
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|style=padding-left:10px|1827 - San Juan de las Boquillas Y Nogales land grant. Captain Ignacio Elias Gonzalez and Nepomucino Feliz applied for 4 sitios of land. They paid $240 and were issued a title in 1833. The rights of the heirs were purchased by George Hill Howard by 1880. He sold half of the claim to George Hearst and the other half to his wife Janet G. Howard. Hearst then bought the rest of the Howard claim in 1889.<br> Hearst's heirs, his wife Phoebe and son William Randolph petitioned the Court of Private Land Claims. On 14 Feb 1899, their title was confirmed for 17,355,86 acres. A Letter of Patent was issued on 18 Jan 1901.<ref>Early Arizona: Prehistory to Civil War, by Jay J. Wagoner, The University of Arizona Press, Tucson, Arizona, pp 192-194</ref>
 
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|style=padding-left:10px|1827 - San Rafael del Valle land grant. Rafael Elias Gonzalez aquired this land grant for $240. In 1832, he received title. In 1862, the Elias heirs mortgaged this land grant and other land for $12,000. On 23 March 1869, they deeded their land to Joseph, Pierre, and Pascual Camou to cover their debts. The Court of Private Land Claims rejected the claim of the Camou brothers, but it was confirmed by the Supreme Court for 17,474.93 acres.<ref>Early Arizona: Prehistory to Civil War, by Jay J. Wagoner, The University of Arizona Press, Tucson, Arizona,  pp 194-197</ref>
|}
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=== From 1846 to 1863 - New Mexico Territory - land that would later be given to Arizona  ===
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| align="center" style="background: rgb(240, 240, 240)" |'''Date & Action'''
| align="center" style="background: rgb(240, 240, 240)" |'''Location of Records'''
 
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|[[File:Arizona+Land+1846.jpg|left|101px|Arizona+Land+1846.jpg]]
|style=padding-left:10px|18 Aug 1846 - During the war with [[Mexico Genealogy|Mexico]], the US took control of Santa Fe and proclaimed sovereignty over the land that later became the [[New Mexico Genealogy|New Mexico]] Territory.<ref>Williams, Jerry L., ed. New Mexico in Maps. 2nd ed. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 1986, 108-109</ref> <ref>Kearny's Code 1846, "Courts and Judicial Powers,” secs. 5-7/p. 49</ref> <ref>Abel, Annie Heloise, ed. Official Correspondence of James S. Calhoun. Washington D.C.: Government Printing Office 1915, Map #2</ref> <ref>Coan, Charles F. “County Boundaries of New Mexico.” Southwestern Political Quarterly 3 (June 1922–March 1923): 252–286, 252</ref>
|style=padding-left:10px|Look for records in the [http://www.archives.gov/ National Archives and Records Administration], the Mexico [[Mexico Archives and Libraries|Archives]] and the [http://www.nmcpr.state.nm.us/archives/archives_hm.htm New Mexico State Records Center].
 
|-
|[[Image:Arizona+Land+1848.jpg|left|101px|Arizona+Land+1848.jpg]]
|style=padding-left:10px|4 July 1848 - In the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, [[Mexico Genealogy|Mexico]] ceded all of present day [[California, United States Genealogy|California]], [[Nevada Genealogy|Nevada]], and [[Utah Genealogy|Utah]], and parts of present day [[Arizona Genealogy|Arizona]], [[Colorado, United States Genealogy|Colorado]], [[New Mexico Genealogy|New Mexico]], and [[Wyoming Genealogy|Wyoming]]. Part of the international boundary was in dispute.<ref>U.S. Stat., vol. 9, pp. 922-943</ref> <ref>Parry, Clive, ed. Consolidated Treaty Series. 231 vols. Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.: Oceana Publications, 1969–1981, 102: 29-59</ref> <ref>Van Zandt, Franklin K. Boundaries of the United States and the Several States. Geological Survey Professional Paper 909. Washington DC, 11, 28-29</ref> <ref>Walker, Henry P., and Don Bufkin. Historical Atlas of Arizona. 2nd ed. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1986, 19, 20A</ref> The land south of the Gila River in present day Arizona was not ceded, it remained in control of Mexico.
|style=padding-left:10px|Look for records in the [http://www.archives.gov/ National Archives and Records Administration], the Mexico [[Mexico Archives and Libraries|Archives]] and the [http://www.nmcpr.state.nm.us/archives/archives_hm.htm New Mexico State Records Center].
 
|-
|[[Image:Arizona+Land+1850.jpg|left|101px|Arizona+Land+1850.jpg]]
|style=padding-left:10px|13 Dec 1850 - The US created the [[New Mexico Genealogy|New Mexico]] Territory from unorganized federal land.<ref>U.S. Stat., vol. 9, ch. 49[1850]/pp. 446-452</ref> <ref>Baldwin, P.M. “A Historical Note on the Boundaries of New Mexico.” New Mexico Historical Review 5 (April 1930): 117–137</ref> <ref>Van Zandt, Franklin K. Boundaries of the United States and the Several States. Geological Survey Professional Paper 909. Washington DC, 28-29, 162-165</ref> This territory named after the Mexican State of New Mexico. Some counties were created, but they were small and covered land only in present day New Mexico. The land in the present day Arizona was at that time non-county land. Also the land south of the Gila River still belonged to [[Mexico Genealogy|Mexico]].
|style=padding-left:10px|Look for records in the Mexico [[Mexico Archives and Libraries|Archives]] and the [http://www.nmcpr.state.nm.us/archives/archives_hm.htm New Mexico State Records Center].
 
|-
|[[Image:Arizona+Land+1852.jpg|left|101px|Arizona+Land+1852.jpg]]
|style=padding-left:10px|9 Jan 1852 - New Mexico redefined the boundaries of previous counties and created new ones to cover all the land within its territory. The boundary of [[Dona Ana County, New Mexico Genealogy|Dona Ana County]] was expanded to include some land in present day Arizona, while the boundary of [[Socorro County, New Mexico Genealogy|Socorro County]] was expanded across present day [[Arizona Genealogy|Arizona]] to the California border.<ref>N.M. Terr. Laws 1851, 1st assy., 1st sess./p. 119</ref> <ref>N.M. Terr. Laws 1851, 1st assy., 2d sess. /pp. 266, 292</ref> The boundaries of [[Bernalillo County, New Mexico Genealogy|Bernalillo]], [[Rio Arriba County, New Mexico Genealogy|Rio Arriba]], [[Santa Ana County, New Mexico Genealogy|Santa Ana]], [[Taos County, New Mexico Genealogy|Taos]], and [[Valencia County, New Mexico Genealogy|Valencia]] counties were expanded across present day [[Arizona Genealogy|Arizona]] and [[Nevada Genealogy|Nevada]] to the California border.<ref>N.M. Terr. Laws 1851, 1st assy., 2d sess. /p. 292</ref>
|style=padding-left:10px|Look for records in [http://www.bernco.gov/ Bernalillo], [http://www.co.dona-ana.nm.us/ Dona Ana], [http://www.rio-arriba.org/ Rio Arriba], [http://www.socorro-nm.com/ Socorro], [http://www.taoscounty.org/ Taos], and [http://www.co.valencia.nm.us/ Valencia] counties.
 
|-
|[[Image:Arizona+Land+1853.jpg|left|101px|Arizona+Land+1853.jpg]]
|style=padding-left:10px|30 Dec 1853 - The US bought the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gadsden_Purchase Gadsden Purchase] from Mexico. It contained land south of the Gila River in present day [[Arizona Genealogy|Arizona]] and [[New Mexico Genealogy|New Mexico]]. It also settled the International boundary dispute between the [[United States Genealogy|United States]] and [[Mexico Genealogy|Mexico]].<ref>U.S. Stat., vol. 10, pp. 1031-1037</ref> <ref>Van Zandt, Franklin K. Boundaries of the United States and the Several States. Geological Survey Professional Paper 909. Washington DC, 11, 29, 162</ref>
|style=padding-left:10px|Look for records in the [http://www.archives.gov/ National Archives and Records Administration], the Mexico [[Mexico Archives and Libraries|Archives]], and the [http://www.nmcpr.state.nm.us/archives/archives_hm.htm New Mexico State Records Center].
 
|-
|[[Image:Arizona+Land+1854.jpg|left|101px|Arizona+Land+1854.jpg]]
|style=padding-left:10px|4 Aug 1854 - The land acquired in the Gadsden Purchase was officially added to [[New Mexico Genealogy|New Mexico]] Territory, it became non-county land.<ref>U.S. Stat., vol. 10, ch. 245[1854]/p. 575</ref> <ref>Van Zandt, Franklin K. Boundaries of the United States and the Several States. Geological Survey Professional Paper 909. Washington DC, 162</ref> <ref>Walker, Henry P., and Don Bufkin. Historical Atlas of Arizona. 2nd ed. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1986, 21-22</ref>
|style=padding-left:10px|Look for records in  [http://www.archives.gov/ National Archives and Records Administration] and the [http://www.nmcpr.state.nm.us/archives/archives_hm.htm New Mexico State Records Center].
 
|-
|[[Image:Arizona+Land+1855.jpg|left|101px|Arizona+Land+1855.jpg]]
|style=padding-left:10px|3 Feb 1855 - [[Dona Ana County, New Mexico Genealogy|Dona Ana County]] gained all the land acquired in the Gadsden Purchase.<ref>N.M. Terr. Laws 1854, 4th assy. /p. 57</ref> Its boundary was expanded across present day Arizona to the Baja California border.
|style=padding-left:10px|Look for records in the [http://www.nmcpr.state.nm.us/archives/archives_hm.htm New Mexico State Records Center] and [http://www.co.dona-ana.nm.us/ Dona Ana County].
 
|-
|[[Image:Arizona+Land+1860.jpg|left|101px|Arizona+Land+1860.jpg]]
|style=padding-left:10px|1 Feb 1860 - New Mexico created [[Arizona County, New Mexico (Extinct)|Arizona County]] from land in [[Dona Ana County, New Mexico Genealogy|Dona Ana County]].<ref>N.M. Terr. Laws 1859-1860, 9th assy. /p. 74</ref> Arizona County was located entirely within present day Arizona.
|style=padding-left:10px|Look for records in [http://www.co.dona-ana.nm.us/ Dona Ana County].
 
|-
| [[Image:Arizona+Land+1860P.jpg|left|101px|Arizona+Land+1860P.jpg]]
|style=padding-left:10px|5 Apr 1860 - An unofficial convention held in Tucson declared the creation of the Territory of Arizona from the southern half of New Mexico Territory below 34 degrees north latitude and proposed 4 counties for the new territory - [[Castle Dome County, Arizona Genealogy|Castle Dome]], [[Dona Ana County, Arizona Genealogy|Dona Ana]], [[Ewell County, Arizona Genealogy|Ewell]], and [[Mesilla County, Arizona Genealogy|Mesilla]]. They also created a provisional constitution and established a government.<ref>Early Arizona: Prehistory to Civil War, Jay J. Wagoner, The University of Arizona Press, Tucson, 1975, p 370</ref> <ref>Thomas Edwin Farish, ''History of Arizona'' (Phoenix, Ariz., 1915), 1:324. [{{babhat}}].</ref> <ref>Sacks, B, M.D. Be It Enacted: The Creation of the Territory of Arizona. Phoenix: Arizona Historical Foundation, 1964, 36, 151</ref> <ref>Swindler, William F., ed. Sources and Documents of United States Constitutions. 10 vols. Dobbs Ferry, NY: Oceana Publications, 1973-1979, 1:244-248</ref> But the US Congress rejected the idea of Arizona becoming a territory, just as they had eight times before.<ref>Be it Enacted: The Creation of the Territory of Arizona, B. Sacks, Arizona Historical Foundation, Phoenix, 1964, pp 25-30</ref> So the proposed new territory was never officially created. However this time was different, because a government had been created for the intended Arizona Territory.
|style=padding-left:10px|Some records may have been created, but where found is unknown.
 
|-
|[[Image:Arizona+Land+1861.jpg|left|101px|Arizona+Land+1861.jpg]]
|style=padding-left:10px|12 Jan 1861 - New Mexico created [[San Juan County, New Mexico (Extinct)|San Juan County]] from land in [[Taos County, New Mexico Genealogy|Taos County]].<ref>N.M. Terr. Laws 1860-1861, 10th assy. /p. 16</ref>
|style=padding-left:10px |Look for records in [http://www.taoscounty.org/ Taos County].
 
|-
|[[Image:Arizona+Land+1861P.jpg|left|101px|Arizona+Land+1861P.jpg]]
|style=padding-left:10px|16 Mar 1861 - Another unofficial convention met in Mesilla and declared that the territory formed the previous year was part of the Confederacy. An ordinance was written stating the reasons Arizona had seceded from the United States.<ref>Be it Enacted: The Creation of the Territory of Arizona, B. Sacks, Arizona Historical Foundation, Phoenix, 1964, p 59</ref><br> 28 Mar 1861 - Another convention held in Tucson ratified the Mesilla secession ordinance. Some government organization was made, including sending a delegate to the Confederate Congress.<ref>Be it Enacted: The Creation of the Territory of Arizona, B. Sacks, Arizona Historical Foundation, Phoenix, 1964, p 59</ref> <ref>Early Arizona: Prehistory to Civil War, Jay J. Wagoner, The University of Arizona Press, Tucson, 1975, p 446</ref><br> 1 Aug 1861 - Confederate General John Robert Baylor, fresh from his victory at the Battle of Mesilla, made a proclamation declaring Arizona to be a Confederate Territory and appointed a government.<ref>Be it Enacted: The Creation of the Territory of Arizona, B. Sacks, Arizona Historical Foundation, Phoenix, 1964, p 62</ref> <ref>Early Arizona: Prehistory to Civil War, Jay J. Wagoner, The University of Arizona Press, Tucson, 1975, p 372</ref> A judicial district was formed for land around Mesilla and another one for land around Tucson.
|style=padding-left:10px|Some records may have been created, but where found is unknown
 
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|[[Image:Arizona+Land+1862.jpg|left|101px|Arizona+Land+1862.jpg]]
|style=padding-left:10px|18 Jan 1862 - New Mexico discontinued [[San Juan County, New Mexico (Extinct)|San Juan County]] returning the land to [[Taos County, New Mexico Genealogy|Taos County]].<ref>N.M. Terr. Laws 1861-1862, 11th assy. /p. 16</ref> <br>18 Jan 1862 - New Mexico discontinued [[Arizona County, New Mexico (Extinct)|Arizona County]] returning the land to [[Dona Ana County, New Mexico Genealogy|Dona Ana County]].<ref>N.M. Terr. Laws 1861-1862, 11th assy. /p. 18</ref>
|style=padding-left:10px|Look for records in [http://www.taoscounty.org/ Taos County]. <br>Look for records in [http://www.co.dona-ana.nm.us/ Dona Ana County].
 
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|[[Image:Arizona+Land+1862R.jpg|left|101px|Arizona+Land+1862R.jpg]]
|style=padding-left:10px|13 January 1862 - The Confederate Congress passed a bill declaring Arizona to be a Territory of the Confederate States of America. President Jefferson Davis signed the bill, which then became law.<ref>Early Arizona: Prehistory to Civil War, Jay J. Wagoner, The University of Arizona Press, Tucson, 1975, p 372</ref> <ref>Journal of the Congress of the Confederate States of America, 1861-1865 (Senate Document 234, 58 Cong., 2 Sess. Serials 4610-4616)</ref><br>14 February 1862 - The Confederate law creating Arizona as a Territory became effective.<ref>Journal of the Congress of the Confederate States of America, 1861-1865 (Senate Document 234, 58 Cong., 2 Sess. Serials 4610-4616)</ref> Note: Fifty years later to the day, Arizona became a state in the United States of America.<br>8 June 1862 - US General Carleton, having invaded from California driving the Confederate army toward Texas, declared in Tucson that the Territory of Arizona had been created by the United States and was devoid of all civil government.<ref>Be it Enacted: The Creation of the Territory of Arizona, B. Sacks, Arizona Historical Foundation, Phoenix, 1964, p 68</ref> <ref>Early Arizona: Prehistory to Civil War, Jay J. Wagoner, The University of Arizona Press, Tucson, 1975, p 456</ref><br>8 July 1862 - The last of the Confederate troops left Arizona Territory as Union troops from California and Colorado took over control.
|style=padding-left:10px|Some records may have been created, but where found is unknown.
 
|-
|[[Image:Arizona+Land+1863.jpg|left|101px|Arizona+Land+1863.jpg]]
|style=padding-left:10px|28 Jan 1863 - New Mexico re-created [[Arizona County, New Mexico (Extinct)|Arizona County]] from [[Dona Ana County, New Mexico Genealogy|Dona Ana County]].<ref>N.M. Terr. Laws 1862-1863, 12th assy. /p.30</ref>
|style=padding-left:10px|Look for records in [http://www.co.dona-ana.nm.us/ Dona Ana County].
|}
<br>
 
=== From 1863 to the Present - land given to create Arizona and some taken away  ===
<br>
{| cellspacing="0" border="1"
 
|-
| align="center" style="background: rgb(240, 240, 240)" |'''Click to enlarge'''
| align="center" style="background: rgb(240, 240, 240)" |'''Date & Action'''
| align="center" style="background: rgb(240, 240, 240)" |'''Location of Records'''
 
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|[[Image:Arizona+Territory+1863+1.jpg|left|101px|Arizona+Territory+1863+1.jpg]]
|style=padding-left:10px |24 Feb 1863 - The US created the [[Arizona Genealogy|Arizona]] Territory from the western half of [[New Mexico Genealogy|New Mexico]] Territory.<ref>U.S. Stat., vol. 12, ch. 56[1863]/pp. 664-665</ref> <ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1864, 1st assy./ pp. vii-viii</ref> <ref>Van Zandt, Franklin K. Boundaries of the United States and the Several States. Geological Survey Professional Paper 909. Washington D.C, 162</ref> All previous New Mexico counties were discontinued for this new territory.
| style=padding-left:10px |Look for records in the [http://www.azlibrary.gov/Default.aspx Arizona State Library] and [http://www.nmcpr.state.nm.us/archives/archives_hm.htm New Mexico State Records Center]
 
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|[[Image:Arizona+Territory+1864.jpg|left|101px|Arizona+Territory+1864.jpg]]
|style=padding-left:10px |10 Nov 1864 - Arizona created four counties: [[Mohave County, Arizona Genealogy|Mohave]], [[Pima County, Arizona Genealogy|Pima]], [[Yavapai County, Arizona Genealogy|Yavapai]], and [[Yuma County, Arizona Genealogy|Yuma]] counties.<ref>Howell Code, Ariz. Terr. Laws 1864, 1st assy., ch. 2/ pp. 24-25</ref> All four of these counties named for Indian tribes.
| style=padding-left:10px |Look for records in [http://www.mohavecounty.us/ Mohave], [http://www.pima.gov/ Pima], [http://www.yavapai.us/ Yavapai], and [http://www.co.yuma.az.us/ Yuma] counties.
 
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|[[Image:Arizona+Territory+1865.jpg|left|101px|Arizona+Territory+1865.jpg]]
|style=padding-left:10px |22 Dec 1865 - Arizona created [[Pah-Ute County, Arizona Genealogy|Pah-Ute County]] from the northern half of [[Mohave County, Arizona Genealogy|Mohave County]].<ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1865, 2d assy./ pp. 19-20</ref> This county named for the Paiute Indians, using the spelling of that day. Both Mohave and Pah-Ute counties covered land which was later given to Nevada.
| style=padding-left:10px |Look for records in [http://www.mohavecounty.us/ Mohave County].
 
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|[[Image:Arizona+Territory+1866.jpg|left|101px|Arizona+Territory+1866.jpg]]
|style=padding-left:10px |5 May 1866 - The US removed the northwest corner from [[Arizona Genealogy|Arizona]] Territory (parts of [[Pah-Ute County, Arizona Genealogy|Pah-Ute]] and [[Mohave County, Arizona Genealogy|Mohave]] counties) and gave that land to the State of [[Nevada Genealogy|Nevada]].<ref>U.S. Stat., vol. 14, ch. 73[1866]/p. 43</ref> <ref>Van Zandt, Franklin K. Boundaries of the United States and the Several States. Geological Survey Professional Paper 909. Washington DC, 158, 165</ref> Nevada used that land by adding to [[Lincoln County, Nevada Genealogy|Lincoln]] and [[Nye County, Nevada Genealogy|Nye]] counties. But Arizona held to its previous claim on that land and opposed this transfer, twice petitioning congress to repeal the law. Up thru 1868, representatives from Pah-Ute County attended the Arizona Legislature.
| style=padding-left:10px |Look for records in [http://nsla.nevadaculture.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=498&Itemid=416 Nevada State Library and Archives] and [http://www.azlibrary.gov/Default.aspx Arizona State Library]. Also the [http://www.lincolncountynv.org/about/county.htm Lincoln], [http://www.nyecounty.net/ Nye], and [http://www.mohavecounty.us/ Mohave] counties.
 
|-
|[[Image:Arizona+Territory+1869.jpg|left|101px|Arizona+Territory+1869.jpg]]
|style=padding-left:10px |18 Feb 1869 - [[Utah Genealogy|Utah]] also laid claim to land in the southeastern corner of Nevada by creating [[Rio Virgin County, Utah Genealogy|Rio Virgin County]] from land in [[Washington County, Utah]]; as well as land outside of Utah in Nevada and Arizona.<ref>Utah Terr. Laws 1869, 18th sess., ch. 10/p. 7; Atlas of Utah, 163-164</ref> This county named for the Virgin River.
| style=padding-left:10px |Look for records in [http://www.washco.utah.gov/ Washington], [http://www.lincolncountynv.org/about/county.htm Lincoln], [http://www.nyecounty.net/ Nye], and [http://www.mohavecounty.us/ Mohave] counties.
 
|-
|[[Image:Arizona+Territory+1871.jpg|left|101px|Arizona+Territory+1871.jpg]]
|style=padding-left:10px |14 Feb 1871 - Arizona created [[Maricopa County, Arizona Genealogy|Maricopa County]] from land in [[Yavapai County, Arizona Genealogy|Yavapai County]].<ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1871, 6th assy./ pp. 53-54</ref> This county named for the Maricopa Indians.<br>18 Feb 1871 - Arizona discontinued [[Pah-Ute County, Arizona Genealogy|Pah-Ute County]].<ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1871, 6th assy./ p. 87</ref> In effect, withdrawing claim to the southeastern corner of Nevada after exhausting all legal recourse. The remnant of [[Pah-Ute County, Arizona Genealogy|Pah-Ute County]] still in Arizona was returned to [[Mohave County, Arizona Genealogy|Mohave County]].
| style=padding-left:10px | Look for records in [http://www.maricopa.gov/ Maricopa] and [http://www.yavapai.us/ Yavapai] counties.<br> Look for records in [http://www.mohavecounty.us/ Mohave County].
 
|-
|[[Image:Arizona Territory 1872.png|left|101px|Arizona Territory 1872.png]]
|style=padding-left:10px |16 Feb 1872 - Utah discontinued [[Rio Virgin County, Utah Genealogy|Rio Virgin County]].<ref>Utah Terr. Laws 1872, 20th sess., ch. 19, sec. 2/p. 28</ref> In effect, withdrawing claim to the southeastern corner of Nevada after exhausting all legal recourse. The remnant of [[Rio Virgin County, Utah Genealogy|Rio Virgin County]] still in Utah was returned to [[Washington County, Utah Genealogy|Washington County]].
| style=padding-left:10px |Look for records in [http://www.washco.utah.gov/ Washington County].
 
|-
|[[Image:Arizona Territory 1875.png|left|101px|Arizona Territory 1875.png]]
|style=padding-left:10px |14 Feb 1873 - Arizona expanded [[Maricopa County, Arizona Genealogy|Maricopa County]] by adding land from [[Pima County, Arizona Genealogy|Pima County]].<ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1873, 7th assy./ p. 87</ref> <br>1 Feb 1875 - Arizona created [[Pinal County, Arizona Genealogy|Pinal County]] from lands in [[Maricopa County, Arizona Genealogy|Maricopa]] and [[Pima County, Arizona Genealogy|Pima]] counties.<ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1875, 8th assy./ pp. 19-20</ref> This county named for the Pinal mountains.
| style=padding-left:10px | Look for records in [http://www.maricopa.gov/ Maricopa] and [http://www.pima.gov/ Pima] counties.<br>Look for records in [http://www.maricopa.gov/ Maricopa], [http://www.pima.gov/ Pima], and [http://pinalcountyaz.gov/Pages/Home.aspx Pinal] counties.
 
|-
|[[Image:Arizona Territory 1877.png|left|101px|Arizona Territory 1877.png]]
|style=padding-left:10px |31 Jan 1877 - Arizona expanded [[Maricopa County, Arizona Genealogy|Maricopa County]] by adding land from [[Yavapai County, Arizona Genealogy|Yavapai County]].<ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1877, 9th assy./ pp. 12-13</ref> <br>9 Feb 1877 - Arizona expanded [[Pinal County, Arizona Genealogy|Pinal County]] by adding a small area of land that had been separated from main body of [[Pima County, Arizona Genealogy|Pima County]].<ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1877, 9th assy./ pp. 108-109</ref>
| style=padding-left:10px | Look for records in [http://www.maricopa.gov/ Maricopa] and [http://www.yavapai.us/ Yavapai] counties.<br>Look for records in [http://www.pima.gov/ Pima] and [http://pinalcountyaz.gov/Pages/Home.aspx Pinal] counties
 
|-
|[[Image:Arizona Territory 1879.png|left|101px|Arizona Territory 1879.png]]
|style=padding-left:10px |14 Feb 1879 - Arizona created [[Apache County, Arizona Genealogy|Apache County]] from land in [[Yavapai County, Arizona Genealogy|Yavapai County]] and a small sliver of [[Maricopa County, Arizona Genealogy|Maricopa County]].<ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1879, 10th assy./ pp. 96-97</ref> This county named for the Apache Indians.
| style=padding-left:10px |Look for records in [http://www.co.apache.az.us/ Apache], [http://www.yavapai.us/ Yavapai] and [http://www.maricopa.gov/ Maricopa] counties.
 
|-
|[[Image:Arizona+Territory+1881.jpg|left|101px|Arizona+Territory+1881.jpg]]
|style=padding-left:10px |1 Feb 1881 - Arizona created [[Cochise County, Arizona Genealogy|Cochise County]] from the eastern part of [[Pima County, Arizona Genealogy|Pima County]].<ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1881, 11th assy./ pp. 4-7</ref> This county named for Cochise, the great Apache warrior who had died seven years before.<br> 8 Feb 1881 - Arizona created [[Gila County, Arizona Genealogy|Gila County]] from lands in [[Maricopa County, Arizona Genealogy|Maricopa]] and [[Pinal County, Arizona Genealogy|Pinal]] counties.<ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1881, 11th assy./ pp. 14-17</ref> This county named for the Gila River.<br> 10 Mar 1881 - Arizona created [[Graham County, Arizona Genealogy|Graham County]] from lands in [[Apache County, Arizona Genealogy|Apache]] and [[Pima County, Arizona Genealogy|Pima]] counties.<ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1881, 11th assy./ pp. 155-157</ref> This county named for Mount Graham, the highest peak in the area.
| style=padding-left:10px |Look for records in [http://www.cochise.az.gov/ Cochise] and [http://www.pima.gov/ Pima] counties.<br>Look for records in [http://www.gilacountyaz.gov/ Gila], [http://www.maricopa.gov/ Maricopa], and [http://pinalcountyaz.gov/Pages/Home.aspx Pinal].<br>Look for records in [http://www.co.apache.az.us/ Apache], [http://www.graham.az.gov/Graham_CMS/default.aspx Graham], and [http://www.pima.gov/ Pima] counties.
 
|-
|[[Image:Arizona+Territory+1889.jpg|left|101px|Arizona+Territory+1889.jpg]]
|style=padding-left:10px |6 Mar 1883 - Arizona expanded [[Mohave County, Arizona Genealogy|Mohave County]] by adding land from [[Yavapai County, Arizona Genealogy|Yavapai County]].<ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1883, 12th assy./ p. 171</ref> <br> 21 Mar 1889 - Arizona expanded [[Gila County, Arizona Genealogy|Gila County]] by adding land from [[Yavapai County, Arizona Genealogy|Yavapai County]].<ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1889, 15th assy./ pp. 49-52</ref>
| style=padding-left:10px |Look for records in [http://www.mohavecounty.us/ Mohave] and [http://www.yavapai.us/ Yavapai] counties.<br>Look for records in [http://www.gilacountyaz.gov/ Gila] and [http://www.yavapai.us/ Yavapai] counties.
 
|-
|[[Image:Arizona+Territory+1891.jpg|left|101px|Arizona+Territory+1891.jpg]]
|style=padding-left:10px |19 Feb 1891 - Arizona created [[Coconino County, Arizona Genealogy|Coconino County]] from land in [[Yavapai County, Arizona Genealogy|Yavapai County]].<ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1891, 16th assy./ pp. 26-34</ref> This county named for the Coconino Indians.
| style=padding-left:10px |Look for records in [http://www.coconino.az.gov/ Coconino] and [http://www.yavapai.us/ Yavapai] counties.
 
|-
|[[Image:Arizona+Territory+1895.jpg|left|101px|Arizona+Territory+1895.jpg]]
|style=padding-left:10px |21 Mar 1895 - Arizona created [[Navajo County, Arizona Genealogy|Navajo County]] from the west half of [[Apache County, Arizona Genealogy|Apache County]].<ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1895, 18th assy./ pp. 96-105</ref> This county named for the Navajo Indians.
| style=padding-left:10px |Look for records in [http://www.co.apache.az.us/ Apache] and [http://www.navajocountyaz.gov/ Navajo] counties.
 
|-
|[[Image:Arizona Territory 1899.png|left|101px|Arizona Territory 1899.png]]
|style=padding-left:10px |15 Mar 1899 - Arizona created [[Santa Cruz County, Arizona Genealogy|Santa Cruz County]] from land in [[Pima County, Arizona Genealogy|Pima County]].<ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1899, 20th assy./ pp. 49-57</ref> This county named for the Santa Cruz River.
| style=padding-left:10px |Look for records in [http://www.pima.gov/ Pima] and [http://www.co.santa-cruz.az.us/ Santa Cruz] counties.
 
|-
|[[Image:Arizona Territory 1909.png|left|101px|Arizona Territory 1909.png]]
|style=padding-left:10px |10 Mar 1909 - Arizona created [[Greenlee County, Arizona Genealogy|Greenlee County]] from land in [[Graham County, Arizona Genealogy|Graham County]].<ref>Ariz. Terr. Laws 1909, 25th assy./ pp. 43-56</ref> This county named for an early Arizona pioneer.
| style=padding-left:10px |Look for records in [http://www.graham.az.gov/Graham_CMS/default.aspx Graham] and [http://www.co.greenlee.az.us/ Greenlee] counties.
 
|-
|[[Image:Arizona State Map 1983.png|left|101px|Arizona State Map 1983.png]]
|style=padding-left:10px |27 Apr 1983 - Arizona created [[La Paz County, Arizona Genealogy|La Paz County]] from the northern half of [[Yuma County, Arizona Genealogy|Yuma County]].<ref>Ariz. Laws 1983, 36th assy., ch. 291/pp. 1089-1094</ref> This county named for the town of La Paz, Arizona.
| style=padding-left:10px |Look for records in [http://www.co.la-paz.az.us/ La Paz] and [http://www.co.yuma.az.us/ Yuma] counties.
|}
<br>
See also [[Arizona County Creation Dates and Parent Counties]]
<br>
 
=== References  ===
[[Image:Arizona county creation.jpg|right|600px|thumb|<center>Simplified diagram of Arizona county creation</center>]]
 
{{reflist}}  
 
[[Category:Arizona, United States]]
[[Category:Arizona Counties]]
[[Category:United_States_County_Creations]]

Revision as of 17:44, 7 November 2012

Previous Jurisdictions and Record Repositories[edit | edit source]

Locating records of your ancestors

  • Find where your ancestor lived
  • Identify when your ancestor live there
  • Locate the jurisdiction covering the land where your ancestor lived
  • Determine the record repositories for that jurisdiction

For example, suppose you believe your ancestor lived in Tucson, Arizona in 1861.

  • In the present day, Tucson is indeed located in the State of Arizona.
  • But Arizona didn't exist in 1856. Arizona Territory wasn't created until 1863.
  • Before that, the land belonged to New Mexico Territory, which was created in 1850. Your ancestor lived in New Mexico Territory. This jurisdiction still exists today as the State of New Mexico.
  • In 1853, the US bought the Gadsden Purchase from Mexico, which contained land south of the Gila River. This is the land where Tucson is located. In 1854, this land was given to New Mexico Territory and in 1855 this land was added to Dona Ana county.
  • Then in 1860, New Mexico created Arizona county from the land in Dona Ana county that existed in the present day State of Arizona. Your ancestor lived in Arizona County in the New Mexico Territory. But Arizona county was discontinued in 1862, then recreated in 1863 and finally discontinued again when Arizona Territory was created in 1863. The records from this extinct county are to be found in Dona Ana County, which exists today.

Putting this altogether, your ancestor actually lived in Tucson, Arizona County, New Mexico Territory in 1861. Therefore look for records in Tucson, Dona Ana County, and the State of New Mexico archives.

Sometimes, records were recorded in a county where your ancestor did not live. Maybe there was confusion as to where the borders were. Or maybe it was a shorter distance to the neighboring county seat. There could be several reasons, so don't overlook records in nearby counties. But treat this as the exception to the rule and check the most obvious county first.

From 1846 To 1863[edit | edit source]

18 Aug 1846 - During the war with Mexico, the US took control of Santa Fe and proclaimed sovereignty over the land that later became the New Mexico Territory.[1] Look for records in the Mexico Archives and the New Mexico State Records Center and Archives.

4 July 1848 - The US obtained clear title to the previous Mexico land. Through the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, Mexico ceded all of present day California, Nevada, and Utah, and parts of present day Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming. Part of the international boundary was in dispute.[2] The land south of the Gila River in present day Arizona was not ceded, it remained in control of Mexico. Look for records in the National Archives and Records Administration, the Mexico Archives and the New Mexico State Records Center and Archives.

13 Dec 1850 - The US created the New Mexico Territory from unorganized federal land.[3] This territory named after the country of Mexico. Some counties were created, but they were small and covered land only in present day New Mexico. The land in the present day Arizona was at that time unorganized county land. Also the land south of the Gila River still belonged to Mexico. Look for records in the Mexico Archives and the New Mexico State Records Center and Archives.

9 Jan 1852 - New Mexico redefined the boundaries of previous counties and created new ones to cover all the land within its territory. The boundaries of Bernalillo, Rio Arriba, Santa Ana (extinct), Taos, and Valencia counties were stretched across present day Arizona and Nevada to the California border.[4] Look for records in Bernalillo, Rio Arriba, Taos, and Valencia counties.
9 Jan 1852 - New Mexico redefined the boundaries of previous counties and created new ones to cover all the land within its territory. The boundary of Socorro County was stretched across present day Arizona to the California border.[5] Look for records in Socorro County.
9 Jan 1852 - New Mexico redefined the boundaries of previous counties and created new ones to cover all the land within its territory. The boundary of Dona Ana County was stretched to include land in present day Arizona.[6] Look for records in Dona Ana County.

30 Dec 1853 - The US bought the Gadsden Purchase from Mexico. It contained lands south of the Gila River in present day Arizona and New Mexico. It also settled the International boundary dispute between the United States and Mexico.[7] Look for records in the National Archives and Records Administration, the Mexico Archives, and the New Mexico State Records Center and Archives.

4 Aug 1854 - The land acquired in the Gadsden Purchase was officially added to New Mexico Territory, it became non-county land.[8] Look for records in the New Mexico State Records Center and Archives.

3 Feb 1855 - Dona Ana County gained all the land acquired in the Gadsden Purchase.[9] The boundary was stretched across present day Arizona to the Baja California border. Look for records in Dona Ana County.

1 Feb 1860 - New Mexico created Arizona County from land in Dona Ana County.[10] Arizona County was located entirely within present day Arizona. Look for records in Dona Ana County.

12 Jan 1861 - New Mexico created San Juan (original, extinct) from land in Taos County.[11] Look for records in Taos County.

18 Jan 1862 - New Mexico discontinued San Juan (original, extinct) returning the land to Taos County.[12] Look for records in Taos County.
18 Jan 1862 - New Mexico discontinued Arizona County returning the land to Dona Ana County.[13] Look for records in Dona Ana County.

28 Jan 1863 - New Mexico re-created Arizona County from Dona Ana County.[14] Look for records in Dona Ana County.

From 1863 To Now[edit | edit source]

24 Feb 1863 - The US created the Arizona Territory from the western half of New Mexico Territory.[15] All previous counties were discontinued for this new territory. Look for records in the Arizona State Library and New Mexico State Records Center and Archives

10 Nov 1864 - Arizona created four counties: Mohave, Pima, Yavapai, and Yuma counties.[16] All four of these counties named for Indian tribes. Look for records in Mohave, Pima, Yavapai, and Yuma counties.

22 Dec 1865 - Arizona created Pah-Ute County from the northern half of Mohave County.[17] This county named for the Paiute Indians, using the spelling of that day. Both Mohave and Pah-Ute counties covered land which was later given to Nevada. Look for records in Mohave County.

5 May 1866 - The US removed the northwest corner from Arizona Territory (parts of Pah-Ute and Mohave counties) and gave that land to the State of Nevada.[18] Nevada used that land to add to Lincoln and Nye counties. But Arizona previously had claim to that land and opposed this transfer, twice petitioning congress to repeal the law. Up thru 1868, representatives from Pah-Ute County attended the Arizona Legislature. Look for records in Lincoln, Nye, and Mohavecounties.

18 Feb 1869 - Utah also laid claim to land in the southeastern corner of Nevada by creating Rio Virgin County from land in Washington County, Utah; as well as land outside of Utah in Nevada and Arizona.[19] This county named for the Virgin River. Look for records in Washington, Lincoln, Nye, and Mohave counties.

14 Feb 1871 - Arizona created Maricopa County from land in Yavapai County.[20] This county named for the Maricopa Indians. Look for records in Maricopa and Yavapai counties.
18 Feb 1871 - Arizona discontinued Pah-Ute County.[21] In effect, withdrawing claim to that land after exhausting all legal recourse. The remnant of Pah-Ute County still in Arizona was returned to Mohave County. Look for records in Mohave County.

16 Feb 1872 - Utah discontinued Rio Virgin County.[22] In effect, withdrawing claim to that land after exhausting all legal recourse. The remnant of Rio Virgin County still in Utah was returned to Washington County. Look for records in Washington County.

1 Feb 1875 - Arizona created Pinal County from lands in Maricopa and Pima counties.[23] This county named for the Pinal Indians. Look for records in Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal counties.

14 Feb 1879 - Arizona created Apache County from land in Yavapai County.[24] This county named for the Apache Indians. Look for records in Apache and Yavapai counties.

1 Feb 1881 - Arizona created Cochise County from the eastern part of Pima County.[25] This county named for Cochise, the great Apache warrior who had died seven years before. Look for records in Cochise and Pima counties.
8 Feb 1881 - Arizona created Gila County from lands in Maricopa and Pima County counties.[26] This county named for the Gila River. Look for records in the Gila, Maricopa, and Pima counties.
10 Mar 1881 - Arizona created Graham County from lands in Apache and Pima counties.[27] This county named for an early Arizona pioneer. Look for records in Apache, Graham, and Pima counties.

19 Feb 1891 - Arizona created Coconino County from land in Yavapai County.[28] This county named for the Coconino Indians. Look for records in Coconino and Yavapai counties.

21 Mar 1895 - Arizona created Navajo County from the west half of Apache County.[29] This county named for the Navajo Indians. Look for records in Apache and Navajo counties.

15 Mar 1899 - Arizona created Santa Cruz County from land in Pima County.[30] This county named for the Santa Cruz River. Look for records in Pima and Santa Cruz counties.

10 Mar 1909 - Arizona created Greenlee County from land in Graham County.[31] This county named for an early Arizona pioneer. Look for records in Graham and Greenlee counties.

27 Apr 1983 - Arizona created La Paz County from the northern half of Yuma County.[32] This county named for the town of La Paz, Arizona. Look for records in La Paz and Yuma counties.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Williams 108-110
  2. ↑ U.S. Stat., vol. 9, pp. 922-943; Parry, 102: 29-59; Van Zandt, 11, 28-29; Walker and Bufkin, 19, 20A
  3. ↑ U.S. Stat., vol. 9, ch. 49[1850]/pp. 446-452; Baldwin, 117-137; Van Zandt, 28-29, 162-165
  4. ↑ N.M. Terr. Laws 1851, 1st assy., 2d sess. /p. 292
  5. ↑ N.M. Terr. Laws 1851, 1st assy., 1st sess./p. 119; N.M. Terr. Laws 1851, 1st assy., 2d sess. /pp. 266, 292
  6. ↑ N.M. Terr. Laws 1851, 1st assy., 1st sess./p. 119; N.M. Terr. Laws 1851, 1st assy., 2d sess. /pp. 266, 292
  7. ↑ U.S. Stat., vol. 10, pp. 1031-1037; Van Zandt, 11, 29, 162
  8. ↑ U.S. Stat., vol. 10, ch. 245[1854]/p. 575; Van Zandt, 162; Walker and Bufkin, 21-22
  9. ↑ N.M. Terr. Laws 1854, 4th assy. /p. 57
  10. ↑ N.M. Terr. Laws 1859-1860, 9th assy. /p. 74
  11. ↑ N.M. Terr. Laws 1860-1861, 10th assy. /p. 16
  12. ↑ N.M. Terr. Laws 1861-1862, 11th assy. /p. 16
  13. ↑ N.M. Terr. Laws 1861-1862, 11th assy. /p. 18
  14. ↑ N.M. Terr. Laws 1862-1863, 12th assy. /p.30
  15. ↑ U.S. Stat., vol. 12, ch. 56[1863]/pp. 664-665; Ariz. Terr. Laws 1864, 1st assy./ pp. vii-viii; Van Zandt, 162
  16. ↑ Howell Code, Ariz. Terr. Laws 1864, 1st assy., ch. 2/ pp. 24-25
  17. ↑ Ariz. Terr. Laws 1865, 2d assy./ pp. 19-20
  18. ↑ U.S. Stat., vol. 14, ch. 73[1866]/p. 43; Van Zandt, 158, 165; Ariz. Terr. Laws 1867, 3rd assy./ pp. 67-68; Ariz. Terr. Laws 1868, 4th assy./ pp. 68-69
  19. ↑ Utah Terr. Laws 1869, 18th sess., ch. 10/p. 7; Atlas of Utah, 163-164
  20. ↑ Ariz. Terr. Laws 1871, 6th assy./ pp. 53-54
  21. ↑ Ariz. Terr. Laws 1871, 6th assy./ p. 87
  22. ↑ Utah Terr. Laws 1872, 20th sess., ch. 19, sec. 2/p. 28
  23. ↑ Ariz. Terr. Laws 1875, 8th assy./ pp. 19-20
  24. ↑ Ariz. Terr. Laws 1879, 10th assy./ pp. 96-97
  25. ↑ Ariz. Terr. Laws 1881, 11th assy./ pp. 4-7
  26. ↑ Ariz. Terr. Laws 1881, 11th assy./ pp. 14-17
  27. ↑ Ariz. Terr. Laws 1881, 11th assy./ pp. 155-157
  28. ↑ Ariz. Terr. Laws 1891, 16th assy./ pp. 26-34
  29. ↑ Ariz. Terr. Laws 1895, 18th assy./ pp. 96-105
  30. ↑ Ariz. Terr. Laws 1899, 20th assy./ pp. 49-57
  31. ↑ Ariz. Terr. Laws 1909, 25th assy./ pp. 43-56
  32. ↑ Ariz. Laws 1983, 36th assy., ch. 291/pp. 1089-1094
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