The terms "township" and "range" are fundamental concepts in the field of human geography, particularly in the context of land surveying and systematics. Our exploration of these terms offers valuable insights into the historical and modern applications of these geographical units.
Understanding townships and ranges is crucial for grasping the spatial organization of land in many parts of the world, notably the United States, where this system was first adopted. By delving into their definitions and applications, we can shed light on the broader world of human geography.
Township: A fundamental unit in land surveying
A township is a unit of land measurement that serves as a cornerstone in many land surveying systems. It originated in the United Kingdom and was later adopted in various colonies, including those in North America.
The term "township" was initially used to denote a unit of land intended for settlement, although this aspect has since evolved. Today, a township typically encompasses a sixth of a degree of latitude, or approximately 6 miles (10 kilometers) north-south, and varies in width depending on the longitude. It's roughly equivalent to 36 square miles (93 square kilometers).
Historical evolution of townships
Townships emerged as a practical means of dividing and measuring land during the late medieval period in Britain. This method allowed for efficient record-keeping and facilitated the distribution of land among settlers or proprietors.
In the colonial era, the township system was transported to the Americas. For instance, the townships in the United States were based on the English system, with each township comprising 36 square miles and being further divided into smaller sections for more detailed record-keeping and settlement.
Townships today: Diversity in application
While the concept of a township remains relevant in many regions, its application varies significantly. In Australia, for example, townships are used to denote statistical subdivisions for the purposes of data collection and analysis, with each township containing a small, well-defined rural, urban, or remote population.
In contrast, in the United States, townships often refer to political subdivisions that predate counties. They serve as administrative units for local governance, tax assessment, and provision of services, despite having no connection to city or town boundaries.
Range: Defining and organizing space
A range is another geographical unit that plays a significant role in land surveying and systematics. It's perpendicular to the township and runs east-west, with each range encompassing six miles in width. The use of "range" as a geographical term emerged in the context of land surveying in the American West.
The range system was established to facilitate the subdivision and sale of government-owned land in the western territories of the United States. It served to standardize the process of measuring, describing, and distributing large tracts of land, souvent facilitating expanders and developers.
The role of ranges in the Public Land Survey System
The range, in conjunction with the township, is a key component of the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) in the United States. The PLSS was created by the federal government to divide and organize land in the western territories according to a uniform grid of survey lines, stretching from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific.
Under the PLSS, every range bears a unique number or letter, allowing for precise identification and record-keeping. This system made it possible to divide the vast, unexplored territories into measurable portions, easing the process of settlement, resource management, and eventually, statehood.
Range as a geographical identifier
The range, as a means of spatial organization, also serves an geographical identifier. It's often used to describe the location of a place or feature within a larger region or state. For example, "Section 16, Township 12 North, Range 9 West" precisely pinpoints a location within Missouri's PLSS grid.
This level of specificity facilitates various activities, from property transactions and records-keeping to resource management and environmental conservation.
Understanding the concepts of township and range in human geography illuminates the ways in which we as a society have chosen to organize and divide our space. From their historical evolution to their contemporary applications, these terms offer valuable insight into the human experience of landscapes and environments.