the Public Land Survey System

The Public Land Survey System (PLSS) is a method used in the United States to divide and describe land for ownership and management purposes. Established in 1785, it organizes land into a grid system of townships and sections. Each township is 6 miles square and contains 36 sections, each one square mile. This system helps in mapping, selling, and managing public lands, making it easier for individuals and government entities to identify property boundaries and land use. The PLSS primarily applies to the western U.S., where it helps maintain order in land distribution.