is the township and range system found anywhere today

The Township and Range System: A Historical Legacy Still Found Today?

The township and range system is an age-old method of surveying land that has been used for centuries in North America. This system was originally developed by Thomas Hutchins, a British cartographer and geographer, in the mid-18th century. It was designed to divide the vast wilderness of the American frontier into manageable parcels of land, making it easier for settlers to stake their claims.

The system is based on a grid pattern, with townships measuring six miles square and ranges running east-west from the base line. Each township is further divided into 36 sections, with each section containing approximately 640 acres of land. This grid pattern allowed surveyors to easily map out the land and assign property boundaries, making it easier for settlers to locate their properties.

Although the township and range system was originally designed for public land surveys, it has been adopted by many states and governments around the world as a method of dividing private land into smaller parcels. Today, you can still find remnants of this system in use throughout North America, particularly in rural areas where traditional surveying methods are still used.

For example, if you're driving through the countryside in the United States or Canada, you may notice that many property boundaries are marked with signs indicating the township and range coordinates. These signs are often found along roads, highways, and other public thoroughfares, and they serve as a reminder of the system's enduring legacy.

In addition to its use in private land surveys, the township and range system has also been adopted by various industries such as mining, forestry, and agriculture. In these fields, the system provides a practical way of dividing large areas into smaller parcels for management and exploration purposes.

While technology has advanced significantly since the days of Thomas Hutchins, the township and range system remains an important part of our cultural heritage. It is a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of early surveyors and settlers who worked tirelessly to map out the vast wilderness of North America.

In conclusion, the township and range system may not be as widely used today as it once was, but its legacy can still be found in many parts of North America. As we continue to develop new technologies and methods for surveying and mapping land, we would do well to remember the pioneers who came before us and the important role that the township and range system played in shaping our modern landscape.

Is the township and range system found anywhere today