Townships today differ significantly from those in 1785 in terms of governance, infrastructure, and land use. Modern townships often have established local governments with elected officials and comprehensive zoning laws, whereas in 1785, they were primarily administrative divisions without formal governance structures. Additionally, today’s townships are more developed, featuring advanced infrastructure like roads and utilities, and they accommodate diverse populations and commercial activities, contrasting with the predominantly agrarian and sparsely populated nature of early townships. Furthermore, contemporary townships often engage in strategic planning and community services, reflecting a more complex societal structure.
Land Ordinance of 1785
The land ordinance of 1785 was created to divide the land that had been acquired by the U.S..
Congress wanted to organize and sell the lands
Under the. Land of Ordinance,of 1785, surveyors were to divide public lands into townships, 6 miles on each side. This would result in a grid squares.
Land was to be systematically surveyed into square townships, six miles (9.656 km) on a side. Each of these townships were sub-divided into thirty-six sections of one square mile (2.59 km²) or 640 acres.
It divided the Northwest Territory into townships and lots.
Townships
the land ordinace
Land Ordinance of 1785
It divided the Northwest Territory into townships and lots.
under the land ordinance of 1785 surveyors were divide public lands into townships, 6 miles on each side.
The land ordinance of 1785 was created to divide the land that had been acquired by the U.S..
The Land Ordinance of 1785.
The Land Ordinance of 1785 provided for the land to be divided.
Congress wanted to organize and sell the lands
Under this law , western lands were divided into six-mile squares called townships
Land was to be systematically surveyed into square townships, six miles (9.656 km) on a side. Each of these townships were sub-divided into thirty-six sections of one square mile (2.59 km²) or 640 acres.