Township and Range, often referred to as the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), is a fundamental concept in human geography, particularly in the United States. Understanding this system is crucial for delimiting land parcels, determining property boundaries, and interpreting historical maps.
Introduced in the late 18th century, the PLSS was designed to divide land systematically and efficiently. It began with the establishment of principal meridians and base lines, creating a grid that extends across the nation.
Understanding the Grid
The grid system is based on a series of rectangular divisions called townships. These townships measure six miles by six miles, or 36 square miles in total.
Within each township, the land is further divided into smaller parts, called sections. Each section is one mile by one mile, or 640 acres. However, the boundaries of these sections are not immediately visible on the landscape, making understanding the system's practical application vital.
Principal Meridians and Base Lines
The principal meridians and base lines act as the scaffolding upon which the PLSS is built. They are typically measured in degrees from a starting point, such as the zero-meridian running through the Washington D.C. customs house. This starting point is the reference point for all other measurements.
Principal meridians run north-south, while base lines run east-west. They intersect to create a network of townships and ranges that stretch across the country, providing a consistent framework for land management and mapping.
Township and Range Designations
Each township and range is designated by a number and letter combination. The township number increases as you go north or south from the base line, while the range number increases as you go east or west from the principal meridian. This creates a unique identifier for each township and range in the system.
For instance, a township might be designated as "T2N R5W," indicating that it is Township 2 North, Range 5 West. This location would be found two townships north of the base line and five ranges west of the principal meridian.
The Alphabetical Subdivision
Beyond the initial division into townships and ranges, the PLSS further subdivides land using the alphabet. Each township is divided into 36 sections, labeled with a letter.
These letters initially start from the north-east corner of the township and proceed in alphabetical order from west to east and south to north. Therefore, each section has a unique alphanumeric identifier, such as "NE1/4 Section 14, T2N R5W."
Sections and Quarter-Section Designations
Within each section, the land can be further divided into quarters, eighths, or sixteenths. These fractions represent specific parts of the section, such as the north-east quarter, south-west quarter, and so on.
This subdivision level allows for precise identification and measurement of land parcels. It ensures that every piece of land is clearly defined and recorded, making the system integral to US land management and property law.
Legal Descriptions and Surveys
Legal descriptions are essential in conveyancing, real estate, and property law. They use the PLSS to describe a property's location unambiguously. These descriptions often specify the township, range, section, and sometimes the quarter-section or aliquot part.
Land surveys also rely heavily on the PLSS. Surveyors use the system to determine property boundaries and ensure that land parcels comply with legal descriptions. This process helps maintain the integrity of the PLSS and ensures that land is correctly measured and recorded.
The Township and Range system has played an indelible role in shaping the American landscape and continues to influence land management today. Whether you're a geographer, surveyor, real estate professional, or simply interested in the history of the US, understanding this system can unlock valuable insights into how our land is organized and managed.