Understanding the concept of township and range in the context of human geography requires delving into the history and application of the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), which was enacted in the United States to facilitate and organize the settlement of the country's western territories. The PLSS utilizes a grid system that divides land into regular, rectangular units, known as townships, which are then further subdivided.
The term 'township' in the PLSS refers to a square area of land measuring six miles on each side, totaling 36 square miles. These townships are further divided into 36 sections, each measuring one mile by one mile. The PLSS is a direct result of the Landtagsystem, a method of land surveying employed in German regions. Its introduction in the U.S. aimed to establish a consistent and efficient way to distribute land among settlers.
The Township-Wide Grid System
The townships are aligned north-south and east-west, forming a grid that spans across the country. Each township is assigned a number and a letter, with the letters designating the north-south position (A-M, skipping I to avoid confusion) and the numbers denoting the east-west position (1-36, starting from the baseline of the range).
The southernmost border of each township is denoted as the 'base line,' from which all measurements and computations begin. This consistent methodology of section lines and measurement shots from the baseline ensures that each section within a township remains identical in size and shape, promoting fairness and efficiency in land distribution.
The Role of Ranges in the PLSS
Ranges, the second critical component of the PLSS's layout, run north-south and consist of a series of townships. Ranges are identified by numbers, starting from the west and increasing eastward. For instance, the first range in Michigan begins at the Mississippi River and heads eastward, with each subsequent range advancing one township into the interior.
The range system aids in the accurate organizing of townships, ensuring that each shares a common eastern border with its adjacent range. This systematic arrangement allows for precise record-keeping and avoids overlap or misallocation of land plots. Moreover, ranges serve as essential reference points, enabling settlers to determine their exact location within the PLSS grid.
Subdividing Townships: The Section and Quarter-Section
Within each township, land is subdivided into 36 sections. These sections, measuring one mile by one mile, are the primary units of division in the PLSS. Each section is further divisible into quarter-sections, which are plots of land covering one-quarter of a section, or 160 acres.
The combination of township, range, and section numbers, along with the use of quarter-sections, facilitates the accurate identification and delimitation of properties within the PLSS. For instance, in Michigan's PLSS, the term "Section 26, Township 10 North, Range 6 West" precisely describes a specific piece of land.
The Impact of Township and Range on Human Geography
The township and range system has significantly influenced the spatial organization of human settlements in the United States. The grid system has contributed to the establishment of consistently-sized and -shaped land plots, which have, in turn, fostered the development of agricultural and urban landscapes that reflect the PLSS's geometry.
The PLSS has exerted tremendous influence on the developmental patterns of Midwestern states, such as Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan, where the rectangular layout can still be observed today in urban planning, road networks, and property boundaries. Furthermore, the system has impacted the geometric patterns of nestled townships, ranging from compact urban centers to sprawling rural communities.
Township and Range in Urban Development
In urban areas following the PLSS, city blocks often align with the township's grid, reflecting the pervasive influence of the PLSS on early city planning. This alignment is visible in cities like Chicago, Illinois, where the grid of streets follows the section lines of the PLSS. The grid system has also played a crucial role in facilitating the growth and expansion of cities, allowing for the efficient division and allocation of land for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes.
The impact of the township and range system on urban development is not limited to the Midwest. Many Western states, including California and Colorado, adopted modified versions of the PLSS for their public land surveys, resulting in similar geometric patterns in their urban landscapes. Even in eastern states that did not initially adhere to the PLSS, modifications of the system have influenced their land surveying practices and, consequently, their urban development.
Township and Range in Agricultural Landscapes
The PLSS's emphasis on creating consistent, rectilinear land plots has significantly influenced agricultural landscapes in the United States. The one-square-mile sections of land were ideally suited for the systematic cultivation of crops and the efficient organization of farming practices. The congruence of farm boundaries with PLSS sections has allowed for rational resource allocation, such as the use of standardized farm equipment and irrigation systems.
The township and range system has also played a role in shaping customary farming practices. The conversion of natural landscapes into rectangular fields and the implementation of crop rotation techniques have facilitated the spread of agricultural knowledge and practice, contributing to the growth and diversification of American agriculture.
The township and range system's profound influence on the spatial organization of human settlements in the United States continues to permeate contemporary society. Its persistent impact on urban landscapes, agricultural practices, and land record-keeping systems underscores the enduring relevance of this efficient and systematic method of land division and organization. As we continue to develop and evolve, understanding the historical underpinnings of our spatial organization provides valuable insights into the relationships between people, place, and environment.