Land Ordinance of 1785
5/20/1785
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Early methods for allocating unsettled land outside the original 13 colonies were arbitrary and chaotic. Boundaries were established by stepping off plots from geographical landmarks. As a result, overlapping claims and border disputes were common.
The Land Ordinance of 1785 finally implemented a standardized system of Federal land surveys that eased boundary conflicts. The official Government description of land was by range, township, and section. Using astronomical starting points, territory was divided into a 6-mile square called a township prior to settlement. The township was divided into 36 sections, each measuring 1 square mile or 640 acres each.
The Government instituted direct sales to purchasers by the Government. Sale of public land was a means to generate revenue for the Government; but it also encouraged settlement and helped to propel the nation westward.
The Government instituted direct sales to purchasers by the Government. Sale of public land was a means to generate revenue for the Government; but it also encouraged settlement and helped to propel the nation westward.
This primary source comes from the Records of the U.S. House of Representatives.
National Archives Identifier: 1943531
Full Citation: Land Ordinance of 1785; 5/20/1785; (HR 9A-C3.1); Committee Papers, 1805 - 1948; Records of the U.S. House of Representatives, Record Group 233; National Archives Building, Washington, DC. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/land-ordinance-of-1785, March 25, 2025]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.
