The Disposition of the Public Domain in Oregon

Inscribed by the Author. With an Authorial Inscription O'Callaghan, Jerry A[lexander]. [1922-2015]. The Disposition of the Public Domain in Oregon. Washington, U.S. Govt. Print. Off., 1960. Reprint. New York: Arno Press, 1979. xii, 113 pp. Brown hardcover, with gilt stamped spine and front cover. Near fine. Author's inscription to half title, "To Bill Duddleson - one / more bit of evidence that / the public lands have / always been exciting- / from- his temporary / office mate / Jerry A. O Callaghan / 7/14/80". $50. * A historical and legal study of how public lands in Oregon were distributed and settled. Originally written as a Stanford University dissertation in 1951, the work was published as a memorandum for the U.S. Senate Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs. It details the transition of Oregon's land from federal ownership to private and state hands through various legislative acts and historical events including an analysis of the Donation Land Claim Act, the Homestead Act, and the Timber and Stone Act. Provides specific focus on the Oregon and California (O&C) Railroad grant and the various military wagon road grants used to incentivize infrastructure development. Includes discussion of Indian land cessions, treaties, and the early legal framework of the Oregon Territory along with an examination of controversial land "looters," forfeitures, and the significant roles played by figures like Binger Hermann and Henry Villard. The former owner of this copy was Bill [William Jefferson] Duddleson (1921-2014).…