Who was involved in the Yazoo Land Fraud?
The Yazoo Land Fraud was a major scandal in the United States in the late 18th century. The individuals involved in the Yazoo Land Fraud included:
1. James Gunn and James Simpson: These two individuals, along with Robert, William, and John Hays, obtained a controversial land grant from the Georgia legislature in 1794. They acquired more than 35 million acres of land in what is now Alabama and Mississippi.
2. Georgia State Legislators: Many members of the Georgia legislature were involved in the fraud. They accepted bribes and kickbacks from the individuals who obtained the land grant, passing a law known as the Yazoo Act in 1795 that sold the land to four companies for a significantly low price.
3. Speculative Land Companies: The four companies that obtained the land through the Yazoo Act were the Georgia Company, the Georgia-Mississippi Company, the Tennessee Company, and the Upper Mississippi Company. Their intent was to sell the land at a higher price to investors.
4. George Mathews: As governor of Georgia, Mathews played a controversial role. He originally opposed the Yazoo Act, but then signed it into law after his supporters were bribed or convinced.
5. Public Opposition: The Yazoo Land Fraud sparked public outrage among citizens who believed it was a corrupt deal. They petitioned the government and fought back against the fraudulent sale of the land.
The Yazoo Land Fraud eventually led to widespread investigations, court battles, and political fallout. It was a significant event in the history of land speculation and corruption in early American history.