As each territory or state opened new public lands, the government identified a meridian (running north and south) and a base line (running east and west) to guide all future land surveys in that area. The rectangular survey system is based on principal meridians and base lines determined by precise scientific measurements. These sections could then be further subdivided for re-sale by settlers and land speculators. Each of these townships were sub-divided into thirty-six sections of one square mile (2.59 kmĀ²) or 640 acres. Land was systematically surveyed into square "Congressional" townships, six miles (9.656 km) on a side. The Land Ordinance of 1785 established the Public Land Survey System.
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