Township and Range System

The Township and Range System is a method used to divide and parcel land, primarily in the United States, for organized settlement. It divides large areas into square units called townships, which are approximately 6 miles on each side. Each township is further divided into 36 smaller square sections, each about 1 mile square. The system uses a grid based on lines called "meridians" and "baselines" to help locate and reference land precisely. This structured approach simplifies land ownership, selling, and mapping, making land distribution consistent and systematic across vast territories.