1900City Council ordered that Dogtown be registered in accordance with Chapter 562 of the acts of 1898.Government and Public Service, Location and Setting, City Government, Dogtown

Chapter 562 of the Acts of 1898 (The Massachusetts Land Registration Act) created the Land Court which had both judicial and administrative powers, including providing certificates of title. This was the area known as “Dogtown Common,” which was owned by the City of Gloucester.