THE MOST IMPORTANT REAL ESTATE DEAL IN THE HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES

THE MOST IMPORTANT REAL ESTATE DEAL IN THE HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES

Over 220 years ago the most famous real estate transaction in the history of the United States, and maybe the world, was closed.  On December 20, 1803 in the New Orleans’ square the French flag was replaced by the American Flag.  William Claiborne and General James Wilkinson, the commissioners of the territory, signifying the United States officially taking possession of New Orleans and an additional 828,000 square miles (530,000,000 acres) of land located west of the Mississippi River.  That day The United States doubled in size and assured the expansion westward.

France had control of the Louisiana territory from 1682 to 1762 when it was surrendered to Spain.  Napoleon regained control of the territory, for France, in 1800.   The Port of New Orleans was critical for whoever controlled New Orleans, located at the mouth of the Mississippi River strategically controlled trade to both the eastern and western territories.

Western expansion was a long-term goal of President Jefferson.  He realized that controlling New Orleans and the Mississippi River would be critical to advance his plan.  The President sent James Monroe and Robert Livingston, Monroe would later be elected the 5^th President of the United States, to France to negotiate the purchase.   To the amazement of Monroe and Livingston, France offered not only New Orleans but the entire Louisiana Territory.  President Jefferson and Secretary of State James Madison convinced Congress to ratify and funded the purchase.

The transaction between the United States and France was signed on April 30, 1803.  On that day the U.S. added 828,000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi river for $15,000,000.00.  The United States doubled in size it’s land holdings for about 4 cents an acre.  NOTE:  Factoring inflation this amount is equivalent to approximately $417,000,000.00 today.

In 1804 Jefferson sent Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and a group of 45 others on an expedition to explore the new territory hoping to find a direct water route to the Pacific Ocean.  The expedition last for two year during which information was gathered about the land, animals, plants, and people who occupied these new lands.  The expedition inspired the migration west.

Thomas Jefferson believed that the United States depended on an independent and virtuous citizens if it was to survive and that independence and went “hand in hand” with citizens’ land ownership.  This belief continues today, private land ownership still goes “hand to hand” with independence.

“……. land property owners, will be the only assurance that the freedom our republic offers will be guaranteed to each and every citizen”.    President Thomas Jefferson

Since 1984, Ranch Connection, has been assisting both buyers and sellers with their land real estate transactions.   We promise to manage the sale or purchase of your property as the MOST IMPORTANT REAL ESTATE DEAL.

Ranch Connection is a full service Land and Ranch Real Estate Brokerage established in 1984.