A Township refers to a specific unit of land measurement used predominantly in the United States, within the framework of the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), which originated from the Land Ordinance of 1785. Each township is a square tract of land, typically measuring six miles on each side, amounting to 36 square miles in total. The PLSS is a method of subdividing and describing land to facilitate the clear and organized transfer of property.
Historical Context of Townships
The concept of the township in the PLSS dates back to the late 18th century, following the American Revolution. The Land Ordinance of 1785 aimed to create a systematic and uniform way to survey and parcel out land west of the original thirteen states. Thomas Jefferson proposed a square-mile grid that would facilitate both land sales and easy management, shaping the American landscape through precise measurements and simple land descriptions.
Structure and Types of Townships
Basic Structure
Each township is divided into 36 sections, each one square mile (or 640 acres) in size.
Example Structure
| N | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | Section 2 | Section 3 | Section 4 | Section 5 | Section 6 | ||
| Section 12 | Section 11 | Section 10 | Section 9 | Section 8 | Section 7 | ||
| Section 13 | Section 14 | Section 15 | Section 16 | Section 17 | Section 18 | ||
| Section 24 | Section 23 | Section 22 | Section 21 | Section 20 | Section 19 | ||
| Section 25 | Section 26 | Section 27 | Section 28 | Section 29 | Section 30 | ||
| Section 36 | Section 35 | Section 34 | Section 33 | Section 32 | Section 31 |
Special Case: Correction Lines
To accommodate the curvature of the Earth, surveyors introduced correction lines (standard parallels) every few townships. These corrections ensure that the consistent six-mile by six-mile grid can be maintained despite the Earth’s curvature.
Applicability and Use Cases
Townships are primarily used for:
- Delineating property boundaries
- Organizing land sales and distribution
- Facilitating infrastructure development, such as roads and utilities
- Agricultural planning and zoning
Comparisons with Other Systems
Metes and Bounds
Unlike the PLSS, the metes and bounds system describes land based on physical landmarks and distance directions, which can often lead to ambiguous boundaries.
Lot and Block System
This system uses recorded plat maps to describe land, primarily used in urban and suburban areas, as opposed to the large, rural tracts detailed by townships in the PLSS.
Related Terms
- Public Land Survey System (PLSS): A method of subdividing and describing land in the United States.
- Section: A one-square-mile subdivision within a township.
- Range: A vertical column of townships in the PLSS grid.
- Principal Meridian: A north-south line used as a reference in the PLSS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the significance of a township in modern land surveys?
Townships continue to provide a foundational structure for land description and property management across many parts of the United States, aiding in legal documentation and geographical referencing.
How does a township differ from a municipality?
In contrast to the land measure township, a municipality named “township” is an administrative division that has its own local government and is responsible for certain public services.
How are townships numbered?
Townships are numbered based on their location relative to the principal meridians (north-south reference lines) and base lines (east-west reference lines) established in the PLSS.
The township, as defined within the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), represents a fundamental unit of land measurement in the United States, encapsulated in a six-mile by six-mile square. This land division system has deeply influenced land management and development, providing a reliable framework aiding both territorial expansion and modern land use.
References
For more historical context and applicability, review federal guidelines and local government resources on land surveying and property divisions.
