The concept of township and range is pivotal in understanding how land is surveyed and owned in the United States, particularly in the public lands states. This system, derived from the rectangular survey system created by the federal government in the late 18th century, has led to a unique and organized way of dividing land. Let's delve into this fascinating system, beginning with its history and the principal factors it encompasses.
The township and range system, an application of the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), was designed to facilitate quick and efficient surveying of the vast, unsettled lands of the United States. The PLSS, established by the Land Ordinance of 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, provides the framework for this methodical approach to land division. The PLSS is a testament to the country's early commitment to orderly expansion, as it enabled the systematic settlement and development of the nation.
Understanding Township and Range
In this systematic land division, a township represents a square area of land six miles on each side, encompassing 36 square miles. This fundamental unit is composed of 36 sections, each a mile square or roughly 640 acres. It's crucial to understand that townships are not necessarily aligned with political or municipal boundaries; they exist as geographical entities defined solely by the PLSS.
Ranges, on the other hand, are longitudinal lines stretching north-south, measured from a principal meridian. These ranges number west and east from the principal meridian, creating a grid-like structure over the landscape. This grid, overlaying the entire U.S., facilitates clear identification and recording of land parcels.
Townships: The Building Blocks of the System
Townships are the primary blocks within which land is surveyed and divided. A township is oriented with one side parallel to the baseline, and the other two sides running perpendicular to it. This baseline, and a line parallel to it running on the southern or northern boundary of the township, are known as the standard parallels. They help determine the direction and orientation of the township.
The township's structure is further divided into 16 rows of sections, each row a mile long. This grid-like pattern ensures consistency and simplicity in navigating and delineating the land. Moreover, this consistent unit of measurement makes it easier to calculate the area and size of land parcels.
Ranges: The Spinal Cord of the System
Ranges, beginning from the principal meridian, are spaced five miles apart. This consistent interval allows for clear and distinct separation between ranges. The principal meridian, usually a river or mountain range, serves as a starting point for surveying. It's worth noting that the exact location and naming of principal meridians vary across states, with some states having more than one.
As the range numbers increment, they indicate how far west or east the range is situated from the principal meridian. For instance, T4N R2W signifies Township 4 North, Range 2 West. This notation system, known as township-range-section (TRS), is a concise and effective way to identify and describe specific parcels of land.
The Benefits and Challenges of the Township and Range System
This long-standing system offers several advantages, including its simplicity, efficiency in surveying and record-keeping, and the clear, contiguous nature of the land divisions. It has enabled organized growth and development across vast expanses of the United States. Additionally, the uniform size of sections makes it easier to determine the value and utility of land parcels.
However, the system also has its challenges. Due to the rectilinear nature of the survey, curved features like rivers or coastlines often necessitate fractional sections. These fractional sections can complicate land surveying, ownership, and sales. Furthermore, the system's reliance on natural landmarks for initial orientation can introduce inconsistencies, as these landmarks may shift or change over time.
A comprehensive understanding of the township and range system is invaluable for anyone involved in real estate, land surveying, or historical research in the United States. It provides insights into the nation's expansion and settlement, as well as offers practical tools for navigating and delineating land today. The system's continued relevance underscores the ingenuity and foresight of the nation's founders, who envisioned a systematic, organized approach to growing and developing the country.