Dictionary.net

Georgia began her existence as a State with doubtful claims to the territory west of her present area, but she did not hesitate to pass laws regulating their disposal. In 1795 four land companies were formed and combined, in their operations in bribing the Georgia Legislature, under the name of the Yazoo Companies. By successfully bribing every member of the Legislature, except one, Robert Watkins, they induced that body to grant the companies, for a nominal consideration of $500,000, a tract of land containing 35,000,000 acres. These frauds aroused great indignation through the State. The act was declared unconstitutional and void by the grand jury of every county except two. February 13, 1796, the Anti-Yazoo party, having the majority in the Legislature, revoked the sale as a violation of the State Constitution. Immediately numerous claims sprang up, which had to be decided by Congress. Madison, Gallatin and Lincoln were appointed commissioners to investigate the claims. In 1802 Georgia ceded her western claims to the United States. The claims arising from the Yazoo Frauds were not decided until 1814. (See art. on the case of Fletcher vs. Peck.)