What was the Symmes Purchase, and what is its alternative name?

The Symmes Purchase, also known as the Miami Purchase, was a significant land acquisition in what is now southwestern Ohio. It comprised an area of approximately 311,682 acres.

Who was the primary individual responsible for the Symmes Purchase, and from whom was the land acquired?

The Symmes Purchase was bought by Judge John Cleves Symmes of New Jersey. He acquired the land from the Continental Congress in 1788.

In which present-day Ohio counties is the land encompassed by the Symmes Purchase located?

The Symmes Purchase covers land that is now part of Hamilton, Butler, and Warren counties in southwestern Ohio.

What was the total area of the Symmes Purchase, and what are its dimensions in both square miles and square kilometers?

The Symmes Purchase covered a total area of roughly 311,682 acres. This equates to approximately 487.003 square miles or 1,261.33 square kilometers.

When did the Symmes Purchase officially take place?

The Symmes Purchase was acquired by John Cleves Symmes from the Continental Congress in the year 1788.

What geographical features define the boundaries of the Symmes Purchase tract?

The Symmes Purchase tract is bordered on the south by the Ohio River, on the west by the Great Miami River, and on the east by the Little Miami River.

Can you describe the approximate location of the northern boundary of the Symmes Purchase?

The northern boundary of the Symmes Purchase extends through Butler and Warren Counties, situated about 25 miles north of the Ohio River. Specific roads like sections of Todhunter and Garver Roads in Monroe, Monroe Road in Lebanon, and Oregonia Road in Turtlecreek Township are noted as running along this boundary.

What role did Benjamin Stites play in the events leading to the Symmes Purchase?

Benjamin Stites, a friend of John Cleves Symmes, was visiting Limestone, Kentucky, when he lost horses to Native American theft. His pursuit through southwestern Ohio led him to discover and be impressed by the region's fertility, which he then reported to Symmes, initiating the purchase process.

What specific event prompted Benjamin Stites to explore the area that would become the Symmes Purchase?

Benjamin Stites was prompted to explore the area after his horses were stolen by Native Americans. He pursued them through the wilderness of southwestern Ohio, traveling as far north as Xenia.

What was the name of the syndicate formed by John Cleves Symmes to acquire the land?

John Cleves Symmes gathered a syndicate known as the Miami Company to purchase the land.

What was the initial scale of the land contract for the Symmes Purchase, and why was the actual purchased area smaller?

The original contract was for 1,000,000 acres. However, the Miami Company could not afford to pay for the entire tract, resulting in them paying for and receiving only 311,686 acres in the southwestern portion of the original area.

At what price per acre was the land in the Symmes Purchase acquired?

The land for the Symmes Purchase was acquired at a price of 66 and 2/3 cents per acre.

What is the "Between the Miami Rivers Survey," and how is it referenced in property deeds?

The "Between the Miami Rivers Survey" refers to the survey conducted within the Symmes Purchase area. Deeds in this region often reference it using the terms "Between the Miami Rivers Survey," "M.Rs.," or "M.R.S."

What were some of the significant errors committed by the surveyors working for John Cleves Symmes?

Symmes' surveyors made several critical errors, including using magnetic north instead of correcting for true north in their measurements. They also encountered issues with land ownership and sales.

How did the surveying errors and land sale practices by Symmes affect early settlers in the region?

Due to errors in the survey and Symmes selling land he did not own, or selling owned land multiple times, some early settlers found themselves classified as squatters on public domain land. This meant their claim to the land was uncertain or invalid.

What were the consequences for settlers who found themselves on land not properly surveyed or sold by Symmes?

Settlers who were affected by Symmes' land sale issues, such as purchasing land that was still considered public domain or had been sold multiple times, became squatters. This status implied they occupied the land without legal title.

What three settlements were established in the Symmes Purchase area in 1788?

In 1788, three settlements were established near the Ohio River within the Symmes Purchase: Losantiville, North Bend, and Columbia.

What significant change occurred regarding Losantiville in 1789?

In 1789, the settlement of Losantiville was renamed Cincinnati by Arthur St. Clair, who was the governor of the Northwest Territory at the time.

Who was Arthur St. Clair, and what action did he take concerning Losantiville?

Arthur St. Clair was the governor of the Northwest Territory. In 1789, he renamed the settlement of Losantiville to Cincinnati.

What was the historical significance of the settlements like Losantiville, North Bend, and Columbia in the context of Ohio?

These settlements, including Losantiville (later Cincinnati), North Bend, and Columbia, were among the earliest established communities in both Ohio and the broader Northwest Territory.

What defensive structure was built in 1789 to protect the early settlements within the Symmes Purchase?

Fort Washington was constructed in 1789 within the reserved portion of the Symmes Purchase to provide protection for the newly established settlements in the area.

Where was Fort Washington located in relation to the Symmes Purchase?

Fort Washington was built within the reserved portion of the Symmes Purchase, specifically to safeguard the fledgling settlements that were growing in the area.

The provided text includes a map. What does the caption for this map state about the Symmes Purchase?

The caption for the map indicates that it shows the Symmes Purchase within the state of Ohio, illustrating its geographical extent.

What is the "Ohio Lands" navbox, and what types of land surveys does it categorize?

The "Ohio Lands" navbox is a navigational template that lists various historical land surveys and grants in Ohio. It categorizes these into systems like the six-mile rectangular system surveys, five-mile rectangular system surveys, indiscriminate surveys, metes and bounds surveys, and other land grants.

According to the "Ohio Lands" navbox, what are some examples of surveys conducted under the six-mile rectangular system?

Examples of surveys under the six-mile rectangular system mentioned in the navbox include the Congress Lands, Congress Lands North of Old Seven Ranges, Congress Lands West of Miami River, Congress Lands East of Scioto River, North and East of First Principal Meridian, South and East of the First Principal Meridian, Michigan Survey, Ohio Company of Associates, Purchase on the Muskingum, Seven Ranges, Symmes Purchase, and Toledo Strip.

What type of survey system is the Connecticut Western Reserve associated with, as listed in the navbox?

The Connecticut Western Reserve is listed as an example of a five-mile rectangular system survey.

What is the United States Military District an example of in terms of Ohio land surveys?

The United States Military District is categorized as a five-mile rectangular system survey within the context of Ohio land divisions.

What category do surveys like the French Grant, Indian Land Grants, and Donation Tract fall under according to the navbox?

The French Grant, Indian Land Grants, Moravian Indian Grants, Gnadenhutten Tract, Salem Tract, Schoenbrunn Tract, Donation Tract, Twelve Mile Square Reservation, Two Mile Square Reservation, and Zane's Tracts are all listed under the category of "Indiscriminate surveys."

What survey system is the Virginia Military District an example of?

The Virginia Military District is presented as an example of a "Metes and bounds survey" in the provided navigational template.

What other types of land grants or divisions are listed in the "Ohio Lands" navbox besides the rectangular system surveys?

Besides rectangular system surveys, the navbox also lists various land grants and other divisions, including Canal Lands, Miami & Erie Canal Lands, Ohio & Erie Canal Lands, College Lands, Dohrman Tract, Ephraim Kimberly Grant, Fort Washington, Maumee Road Lands, Ministerial Lands, Refugee Tract, Salt Reservations, School Lands, and Turnpike Lands.

What is the purpose of the "More citations needed" template at the beginning of the article?

The "More citations needed" template indicates that the article requires additional citations to verify its information. It encourages readers to help improve the article by adding references to reliable sources, as unsourced material may be challenged or removed.

What specific search queries are suggested by the "More citations needed" template to find supporting information for the Symmes Purchase?

The template suggests searching Google for "Symmes Purchase" generally, and also specifically for news, newspapers, books, scholarly articles (via Google Scholar), and JSTOR to find supporting sources.

What does the date "September 2014" associated with the "More citations needed" template signify?

The date "September 2014" indicates when the template was added to the article, signifying that the need for additional citations was identified at that time.

What is the significance of the coordinates provided at the end of the article?

The coordinates (39°15′N 84°30′W / 39.250°N 84.500°W) pinpoint the geographical location of the Symmes Purchase area, allowing for precise mapping and reference.

What does the term "M.R.S." refer to in the context of the Symmes Purchase survey?

In the context of the Symmes Purchase survey, "M.R.S." is an abbreviation that can refer to the "Between the Miami Rivers Survey" or the "Miami River Survey," which is located west of the Great Miami River.

How did the use of magnetic north instead of true north impact the survey of the Symmes Purchase?

Using magnetic north without correction for true north would lead to inaccuracies in the directional measurements and boundary lines of the surveyed land, potentially causing discrepancies in land descriptions and ownership claims.

What was the Miami Company's financial capability concerning the original land contract?

The Miami Company lacked the financial resources to pay for the full 1,000,000 acres stipulated in the original contract for the Symmes Purchase.

What specific roads are mentioned as running along the northern boundary of the Symmes Purchase?

Sections of Todhunter and Garver Roads in Monroe, Monroe Road in Lebanon, and Oregonia Road in Turtlecreek Township are mentioned as running along the northern boundary of the Symmes Purchase.

What was the primary reason for building Fort Washington in the Symmes Purchase area?

Fort Washington was built in the reserved portion of the Symmes Purchase to serve as a protective measure for the newly established settlements in the region.

What does the term "squatter" imply in the context of land ownership within the Symmes Purchase?

In the context of the Symmes Purchase, a "squatter" was someone who occupied land without legal title, often because the land they settled on was incorrectly surveyed or sold by Symmes, or remained part of the public domain.

What is the relationship between the Symmes Purchase and the Ohio River?

The Ohio River serves as the southern border of the Symmes Purchase tract.

What is the relationship between the Symmes Purchase and the Great Miami River?

The Great Miami River forms the western boundary of the Symmes Purchase tract.

What is the relationship between the Symmes Purchase and the Little Miami River?

The Little Miami River defines the eastern boundary of the Symmes Purchase tract.

What was the approximate distance of the northern boundary of the Symmes Purchase from the Ohio River?

The northern boundary of the Symmes Purchase is located approximately 25 miles north of the Ohio River.

What is the significance of the "Ohio Lands" navbox in relation to the Symmes Purchase?

The "Ohio Lands" navbox provides a broader context by listing the Symmes Purchase alongside other significant land surveys and grants in Ohio, illustrating its place within the state's land distribution history.

What does the term "Continental Congress" signify in the context of the Symmes Purchase?

The Continental Congress was the governing body that sold the land to John Cleves Symmes in 1788, representing the authority of the newly formed United States government in managing western territories.

What does the term "Northwest Territory" signify in relation to the settlements within the Symmes Purchase?

The Northwest Territory was the larger administrative region established by the U.S. government, and the settlements within the Symmes Purchase, such as Cincinnati, were among the earliest communities founded within this territory.

What does the reference to "public domain" mean in the context of settlers becoming squatters?

"Public domain" refers to land owned by the government. When settlers became squatters, it meant they were occupying land that legally still belonged to the government, often due to errors in private land sales or surveys.

What does the term "syndicate" imply regarding the Miami Company?

The term "syndicate" implies that the Miami Company was a group of individuals or entities who joined together, pooling resources and capital, to undertake the large financial commitment of purchasing land.

What does the phrase "fledgling settlements" suggest about the communities established in the Symmes Purchase area in 1788?

The phrase "fledgling settlements" indicates that the communities like Losantiville, North Bend, and Columbia were very new, small, and still in their early stages of development and growth when Fort Washington was built in 1789.

What is the "Ohio History Central" reference cited for regarding the Symmes Purchase?

The reference to "Ohio History Central" provides information and verification for the Symmes Purchase, identifying its name and basic details.

Symmes Purchase Wiki: Foundations of the Frontier: The Symmes Purchase

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Historical Context

Genesis of the Purchase

The Symmes Purchase, also recognized as the Miami Purchase, encompassed approximately 311,682 acres of land in what is now southwestern Ohio, specifically within modern-day Hamilton, Butler, and Warren counties. This significant tract was acquired in 1788 by Judge John Cleves Symmes of New Jersey through a purchase from the Continental Congress.^[1]

The Miami Company's Venture

The initiative originated from Benjamin Stites, a friend of Symmes, who, after a journey through southwestern Ohio, was profoundly impressed by the region's fertility. He conveyed his findings to Symmes, leading to the formation of the Miami Company. This syndicate initially contracted for 1,000,000 acres but ultimately secured and paid for only 311,686 acres due to financial constraints. The land was acquired at a rate of 66 2/3 cents per acre.^[2]^[4]

Geographical Scope

Defining the Boundaries

The Symmes Purchase is geographically defined by three major rivers. Its southern border is delineated by the Ohio River. To the west lies the Great Miami River, and to the east, the Little Miami River forms the boundary. The northern extent of the purchase stretches approximately 25 miles north of the Ohio River, traversing through what are now Butler and Warren Counties. Specific roads in areas like Monroe and Lebanon, Ohio, trace portions of this historical northern boundary.^[3]

Surveying Challenges

Errors and Complications

The survey of the Symmes Purchase was unfortunately marked by numerous inaccuracies. Symmes' surveyors made critical errors, such as failing to correct for magnetic north, instead using true north. This fundamental mistake led to significant discrepancies in land descriptions.^[4]

Legal and Ownership Issues

Compounding these surveying issues, Symmes engaged in the sale of land he did not legally possess, including areas as far north as Dayton, Ohio. This resulted in many early settlers finding themselves classified as squatters on public domain land. Furthermore, Symmes also sold some parcels of land he did own multiple times, creating considerable legal and ownership disputes for the settlers.^[4]

Early Settlements

Pioneering Communities

Three primary settlements emerged within the Symmes Purchase area in 1788, all strategically located near the Ohio River: Losantiville, North Bend, and Columbia. In 1789, Arthur St. Clair, the governor of the Northwest Territory, renamed Losantiville to Cincinnati.^[1] These settlements represented some of the earliest European-American communities established in the Ohio region and the broader Northwest Territory.

Frontier Protection

To safeguard these nascent settlements, Fort Washington was constructed in 1789. This military outpost was situated within the reserved portion of the Symmes Purchase, underscoring the strategic importance of the area and the need for protection against potential threats during the frontier period.

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References

http://www.surveyhistory.org/symmes_purchase.htm THE SYMMES PURCHASE by C. Albert White

A full list of references for this article are available at the Symmes Purchase Wikipedia page

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This educational resource has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon publicly available data. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and clarity, it is intended for informational and academic purposes only. The content reflects a specific point in time and may not encompass all nuances or subsequent developments.

This content is not a substitute for professional historical research or legal consultation. Users are encouraged to consult primary sources and academic literature for comprehensive understanding. The creators of this page are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented herein.

Foundations of the Frontier

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Historical Context

Genesis of the Purchase

The Miami Company's Venture

Geographical Scope

Defining the Boundaries

Surveying Challenges

Errors and Complications

Legal and Ownership Issues

Early Settlements

Pioneering Communities

Frontier Protection

Related Topics

Further Exploration

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Foundations of the Frontier

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Historical Context 📜

🤝 Genesis of the Purchase

💰 The Miami Company's Venture

Geographical Scope 📍

🏞️ Defining the Boundaries

Surveying Challenges 🧭

⚠️ Errors and Complications

⚖️ Legal and Ownership Issues

Early Settlements 🏘️

🏡 Pioneering Communities

🛡️ Frontier Protection

Related Topics 🔗

📚 Further Exploration

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 References

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Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

🎓 Important Notice for Learners

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Historical Context

Genesis of the Purchase

The Miami Company's Venture

Geographical Scope

Defining the Boundaries

Surveying Challenges

Errors and Complications

Legal and Ownership Issues

Early Settlements

Pioneering Communities

Frontier Protection

Related Topics

Further Exploration

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice for Learners