The Wisconsin Land Patents Database contains the following information for each land transaction: date, location (township, range, section), name of person the land was patented to, county, date, and the patent document identification number.

Using this information, you can access the Bureau of Land Management web site and view a copy of the original document.

http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/

The document can be saved to disk, printed out, or merely viewed. Certified copies of the document can be orderd on their web site as well.

The National Archives will also send you a copy of the patent file for $10 from at the following address:

Reference Branch (Lands)
National Archives
Washington, DC 20408
(202) 501-5428 

You need to submit your request on a copy of Form 84. To get the form, send an e-mail message to

inquire@nara.gov

In the body of the message, be sure to ask for Form 84 "Order for Copies of Land Entry Files", tell them how many copies you want (get at least 2, in case you make a mistake) and give your name and snail address so they can send you the forms.

(Or you can send a snail mail letter to above address). Sending by e-mail takes less than a week; by snail mail both ways takes about 2 weeks.

All of the twps and ranges in WI are measured from the 4th Principal Meridian.