What was the main means by which Georgia land was officially allocated before reforms?

Before reforms took place, the main means by which land in Georgia was officially allocated was through land lotteries. This system was established in the early 19th century as a way to distribute land fairly among the population, particularly after the abolition of the plantation system and the need to populate the state with new settlers.

Land lotteries allowed individuals to enter their names for a chance to win parcels of land, which was seen as a more equitable method compared to public auctions. The lottery system was designed to prevent wealthier individuals from monopolizing land opportunities and to give ordinary citizens an equal chance at land ownership. It played a significant role in the westward expansion of Georgia and helped to facilitate settlement in the state.

In contrast, public auctions, while used, were less common and typically favored those with greater financial means. Land appeals usually involve disputing ownership or claiming land under certain circumstances rather than providing a systematic means of allocation. Settler claims were informal assertions of land ownership by individuals who settled in an area but were not an official means of land distribution. Overall, the lottery system was significant in shaping the demographic and economic landscape of Georgia in that era.