Section

Definition

In the context of land surveying and the Northwest Ordinance, a section refers to a specific parcel of land that is one square mile in size, totaling 640 acres. This measurement was a foundational element in the systematic division of territories in the United States, allowing for organized settlement and governance. Sections played a crucial role in the implementation of land policies that aimed to promote westward expansion and establish new states.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Each section is designed to be 1 square mile or 640 acres, which made it easier for settlers to understand and buy land.
2. The system of sections helped to create orderly settlement patterns, facilitating transportation and communication across new territories.
3. Sections were numbered in a specific way (from 1 to 36) within each township, allowing for easy identification and referencing.
4. The Northwest Ordinance established guidelines for how sections could be sold and organized into townships, promoting development in the frontier regions.
5. The concept of sections ultimately influenced state boundaries and land ownership patterns that are still relevant today.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of sections contribute to the organization of land during westward expansion?
  • The concept of sections provided a clear framework for land distribution that encouraged settlement during westward expansion. By dividing land into manageable parcels of 640 acres, the government facilitated easier purchase and development by settlers. This organized approach not only simplified transactions but also helped to establish transportation routes and infrastructure as communities formed around these sections.
• Evaluate the impact of the Public Land Survey System on land ownership in newly formed states.
  • The Public Land Survey System had a profound impact on land ownership in newly formed states by introducing a systematic way to survey and sell land. The division of land into sections allowed for transparent transactions and clearer property lines, which were crucial for attracting settlers. This method not only promoted agricultural development but also influenced local governance structures as communities emerged around these designated areas.
• Analyze how the principles established by the Northwest Ordinance regarding sections influenced future policies on land distribution and state formation.
  • The principles established by the Northwest Ordinance set a precedent for future policies related to land distribution and state formation by prioritizing systematic organization and equitable access to land. By defining sections as fundamental units for sale and settlement, it encouraged orderly growth while safeguarding rights such as education and civil liberties for new inhabitants. This framework became a model for subsequent territories and states, shaping American expansionist policies and ideals about land ownership that resonate in modern governance.

Related terms

Township: A township is a larger unit of land that typically encompasses 36 sections, forming a square that measures six miles on each side.

Public Land Survey System (PLSS): The PLSS is a method used to survey and divide land in the United States, which includes the use of sections, townships, and ranges to create an organized framework for land ownership.

Northwest Territory:

The Northwest Territory was the first organized territory in the United States, created by the Northwest Ordinance, which laid the groundwork for the future states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin.