The distribution of major land grants in the Golden State was of major concern as the state entered the union in 1850. Of course, these land grants had once been made by the Spanish government to a range of private investors, and it was no simple matter to determine the legality of various land claims. This remarkable collection from the Bancroft Library collects maps that supported private land claim cases from 1850 to approximately 1890. Visitors should first look over the collection's finding aid, which is available in several formats. In total, there are over 1,400 maps here, some of which are exquisitely hand-colored. It's a fascinating way to learn about legal history, geography, and the complex interactions between the United States government and the newly formed U.S. District Courts of California.