Rectangular Survey System/Public Land Survey System

Definition

The Rectangular Survey System, also known as the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), is a method for subdividing and describing land in the United States, established in the late 18th century. This system divides land into a grid of rectangular parcels using a series of principal meridians and base lines, enabling efficient land distribution, management, and settlement. It has played a crucial role in shaping the cultural landscape of the U.S. by influencing land use patterns and urban development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Rectangular Survey System was established by the Land Ordinance of 1785 as a way to organize and sell land in the western territories of the United States.
2. Land is divided into townships and sections, with each township containing 36 sections, allowing for systematic mapping and development.
3. The system uses principal meridians and base lines as reference points to create a grid pattern, which greatly simplifies property identification and land transactions.
4. The Public Land Survey System has contributed to the cultural landscape by promoting agricultural development and facilitating settlement patterns in rural areas.
5. Variations of the survey system exist in different states, particularly in areas originally surveyed by Spanish or French systems, reflecting the diverse historical influences on land use.

Review Questions

• How did the Rectangular Survey System influence land distribution and settlement patterns in the United States?
  • The Rectangular Survey System fundamentally shaped land distribution by creating a standardized method for dividing vast tracts of territory into manageable parcels. This organization allowed for easier sales and transfers of property, encouraging westward expansion and settlement. As people moved into these surveyed areas, it led to distinct settlement patterns focused around townships, which promoted agricultural development and created structured communities.
• Discuss the impact of the Homestead Act on the implementation of the Rectangular Survey System and its effects on cultural landscapes.
  • The Homestead Act significantly accelerated the implementation of the Rectangular Survey System by providing an incentive for settlers to claim land in surveyed territories. By offering 160 acres of public land to individuals who met specific requirements, it encouraged mass migration westward. This resulted in substantial changes to cultural landscapes as settlers established farms, towns, and infrastructure based on the rectangular grid established by the PLSS.
• Evaluate how different historical surveying methods prior to the Rectangular Survey System affected modern land use patterns in various regions of the United States.
  • Historical surveying methods prior to the Rectangular Survey System, such as Spanish land grants or French seigneurial systems, created diverse land use patterns that often contradicted the grid system introduced later. For example, areas with irregular land parcels due to these earlier surveys led to complex property lines that can still be seen today. This diversity influences modern zoning laws and urban planning as cities navigate these varied landscapes, illustrating how past surveying methods continue to impact contemporary land use and development strategies.

Related terms

Township: A square parcel of land that is typically six miles on each side, created by the Rectangular Survey System, used to organize land into manageable sections.

Section: A division of a township in the Rectangular Survey System, each section typically being one square mile or 640 acres.

Homestead Act:

A significant piece of legislation enacted in 1862 that encouraged westward expansion by granting land to settlers under certain conditions.