Title 43, Public LandsRelease 119-102
§904 Forfeiture of Unearned Grants; Restoration to Public Domain
Title 43 › CHAPTER 21 — GRANTS IN AID OF RAILROADS AND WAGON ROADS › § 904
Summary
The United States takes back title to land given before September 29, 1890, to a State or company to help build a railroad when the adjoining part of that railroad was not finished and operating; those lands become public land, but railroad right-of-way and station grounds granted before September 29, 1890, remain.
Full Legal Text
Title 43, §904
Public Lands, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
There is forfeited to the United States, and the United States resumes the title thereto, all lands granted prior to September 29, 1890, to any State or to any corporation to aid in the construction of a railroad opposite to and coterminous with the portion of any such railroad not on that date completed, and in operation, for the construction or benefit of which such lands were granted; and all such lands are declared to be a part of the public domain: Provided, That sections 904 to 907 of this title shall not be construed as forfeiting the right-of-way or station grounds of any railroad company granted prior to September 29, 1890.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
43 U.S.C. § 904
Title 43, Public Lands
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102