TIP #1: How to obtain and/or download forms for ordering copies of original records such as military service and veteran benefits records [form NATF 80] and land entry files [form NATF 84] from the National Archives . Using Cyndi's List
It is possible to order copies of Ship Passenger Arrival Lists [form NATF 81], Revolutionary War records, and Census Records 1790-1920 [form NATF 82], however, it is much cheaper and you will have better results by doing this research from microfilm copies of the records.
Military service and veteran benefits records open to the public include records of Union soldiers from the American Revolution through the Spanish American War. Veteran benefits include pensions and bounty land warrants.
Land entry files include homesteads and many other categories. Records from Texas are not included.
There are always many ways to find information on the internet. In addition to obtaining forms necessary to order records, this exercise also teaches you how to use Cyndi's List.
- Using any web browser, go to the web Site: cyndislist.com click on Alphabetical Category Index (on left).
- When the index page appears, scroll down to District of Columbia (click).
- When D.C. page appears, scroll down to Libraries, Archives & Museums (click).
- When Library page appears, scroll down to National Archives (click).
- Click on General Resource site,
- Scroll down to Order Forms.
- You did it! Now follow the directions.
- You can also go to Order OnLine.
Sylvia L. Nimmo, February 2000
SylviaLN@aol.com
revised by Betty Jean Steinke, June 2006