key term - Township and Range Survey Method

Definition

The Township and Range Survey Method is a system used to divide land into rectangular plots, primarily in the United States, established by the Land Ordinance of 1785. This method creates a grid-like pattern where land is divided into townships that are six miles square, further subdivided into 36 sections, each one mile square. This system reflects a more organized approach to land distribution and settlement patterns, facilitating agricultural development and the systematic sale of land.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Township and Range Survey Method was designed to facilitate the orderly settlement and sale of land during westward expansion in the United States.
2. Each township contains 36 sections, which can be sold or leased individually for agricultural or residential purposes.
3. The grid pattern created by this survey method has significantly influenced the layout of cities, towns, and farms across much of the American landscape.
4. In addition to agriculture, this method has implications for zoning laws, infrastructure development, and land management practices.
5. The method promotes uniformity in land measurements but has also led to challenges such as irregular plots and difficulties in managing natural resources.

Review Questions

• How does the Township and Range Survey Method reflect the goals of land distribution during westward expansion?
  • The Township and Range Survey Method was implemented to promote an organized approach to land distribution as settlers moved westward. By establishing a systematic grid pattern, it ensured that land could be easily surveyed, divided, and sold. This organization facilitated agricultural development and made it easier for newcomers to understand property boundaries, thus fostering settlement patterns that contributed to the growth of communities across the western territories.
• Compare the Township and Range Survey Method with the Metes and Bounds system. What are the key differences between these two surveying methods?
  • The Township and Range Survey Method relies on a systematic grid-based approach, dividing land into rectangular townships and sections. In contrast, the Metes and Bounds system uses natural landmarks, distances, and angles to define property boundaries in a more irregular manner. While Township and Range offers uniformity suitable for large-scale settlement, Metes and Bounds allows for more flexible descriptions that were traditionally used before standardized surveying methods were adopted.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Township and Range Survey Method on urban planning and land use in modern America.
  • The long-term impacts of the Township and Range Survey Method are significant in shaping urban planning and land use across America. Its structured grid layout has influenced how cities expand, with developments often aligning with section lines for ease of administration. This method has facilitated efficient resource management and zoning practices but has also contributed to challenges such as environmental degradation and inequities in land use. As urban areas grow, planners must navigate the legacies of this surveying system while addressing contemporary issues such as sustainable development and community needs.

Related terms

Land Ordinance of 1785: A significant piece of legislation that established a standardized system for surveying and selling public lands in the western territories of the United States.

Metes and Bounds: A traditional method of land surveying that uses physical features of the geography, along with directions and distances, to define property boundaries.

Section: A division within a township in the Township and Range Survey Method, representing one square mile of land, which can be further divided for various uses.