Where Is the Township and Range System Used?

The Township and Range System is a method of dividing land into square tracts, known as sections, which are used to identify properties and boundaries. This system is widely used in the United States, particularly in public domain states.

The system was first introduced by the federal government in 1785, when it began surveying public lands west of the Appalachian Mountains. The goal was to create a uniform method for dividing and selling land to settlers. Over time, the Township and Range System has become an essential part of American real estate law and is still widely used today.

In this system, the country is divided into townships, which are six miles square (36 sections). Each township is then further divided into 36 sections, each one mile square. These sections can be identified using a unique combination of township, range, and section numbers.

Terms used in the Township and Range System include:

* Township: A six-mile-square tract of land

* Range: A series of townships that run east-west

* Section: A one-mile-square tract of land within a township

Physical geology texts, such as 'Physical Geology' by Zumberge and Rutford (1983), use the Township and Range System to describe the layout of land features. Similarly, genealogy texts, like 'Laboratory Manual for American Genealogy' edited by Arlene Eakle and Johni Cerny (1984), often reference the system in discussions of property ownership.

The metes and bounds survey system is an alternative method used in some areas to describe plots of land. This system uses natural features, such as trees and streams, as well as neighboring landowners and distances to define boundaries. However, this system is not as widely used as the Township and Range System.

In conclusion, the Township and Range System is a fundamental part of American real estate law and is used in most public domain states to identify properties and boundaries. Understanding how this system works can be important for anyone dealing with property ownership or land records in these areas.

Where is the township and range system used