define township and range land survey system

Defining Township and Range Land Survey System: A Simplified Explanation

In the United States, the system of dividing land into townships and ranges has been in use since 1785. This method helps in locating specific properties by creating a grid pattern on a map. The system is used for legal descriptions, which are a graphic depiction of a property's boundaries and features.

To understand this system better, let's break it down further. A township range consists of 36 sections, each measuring six square miles. These townships run north-south, while ranges run east-west. Each section totals 640 acres and is one square mile in size.

A legal description typically starts with a section-township-range designation, which identifies the specific location of a property. For example, if John Jacob purchased the NW/4 of Section 10, Township 10, Range 10 in 1901, this would be the starting point for his legal description.

Dividing sections further into quarters, halves, and quartered quarters can sometimes make things more complicated. However, this system helps to create a clear and concise way to identify specific properties. It's essential for real estate transactions, as it ensures that all parties involved have a common understanding of the property's boundaries and features.

In our next installment of 'Legals with Lippman,' we'll be exploring plats (and replats), original townsites, water rights, condemnations, and how these concepts affect your clients' transactions. Stay tuned for more insights on real estate legal descriptions from Sydney, our Production Manager.

Define township and range land survey system