Understanding land measurement is fundamental in various fields, including real estate, agriculture, surveying, and even genealogy. One of the most common units of land measurement in the United States, particularly in the Midwest and West, is the “section.” But just how big is a section? The simple answer is that a section contains 640 acres. However, the story behind this number, its origins, and practical implications are far more fascinating and nuanced.
The Public Land Survey System (PLSS) and its Significance
To truly grasp the concept of a section, it’s vital to understand the Public Land Survey System (PLSS). This system, also known as the Rectangular Survey System, was established by the U.S. Congress in 1785. Its primary purpose was to provide a standardized method for surveying and dividing public lands, facilitating their sale and settlement. Before this, land descriptions were often vague, relying on natural landmarks and metes and bounds, leading to boundary disputes and legal complications. The PLSS aimed to eliminate these ambiguities by creating a grid-based system that was both precise and easily understandable.
The PLSS works by establishing initial points, called Initial Points or Principal Meridians. From each Initial Point, a Principal Meridian (running north-south) and a Baseline (running east-west) are established. These lines serve as the reference points for creating a grid of townships and ranges.
Townships and Ranges: Building Blocks of the PLSS
Townships are square areas of land that are six miles by six miles, containing 36 square miles. They are numbered north or south from the Baseline. So, a township designated as “Township 2 North” (T2N) would be located two townships north of the Baseline. Ranges are similar to townships but are measured east or west from the Principal Meridian. For example, “Range 3 West” (R3W) is located three ranges west of the Principal Meridian. Therefore, you might see a land description like “T2N, R3W,” which specifies a particular township within the PLSS grid.
Sections Within a Township: Dividing the Land Further
Each township is further divided into 36 sections, each approximately one mile by one mile. These sections are numbered in a specific sequence, starting with section 1 in the northeast corner of the township and proceeding west to section 6. The numbering then continues south in the next row, from section 7 to section 12, and so on, until section 36 is reached in the southeast corner. This serpentine numbering pattern was designed to minimize the distance a settler would have to travel to reach their designated section.
Why 640 Acres? The Logic Behind the Size
The size of a section, 640 acres, was not arbitrary. It was based on the idea that a family farm could be sustained on that amount of land. In the late 18th century, when the PLSS was established, agriculture was the backbone of the American economy. The government wanted to encourage settlement of the western territories by providing land in manageable and economically viable units. 640 acres was deemed a suitable size for a family to cultivate crops, raise livestock, and establish a self-sufficient homestead.
Calculating Area: From Sections to Smaller Units
While a section provides a foundational unit, land descriptions often involve smaller subdivisions. Understanding how to break down a section into its component parts is crucial for accurate land identification and valuation.
Common Subdivisions of a Section
A section can be divided into halves, quarters, and even smaller units. The most common subdivisions are halves and quarters. A half-section contains 320 acres (one-half of 640), while a quarter-section contains 160 acres (one-quarter of 640). These subdivisions are further divided into quarter-quarter sections, each containing 40 acres. This division continues down to 10-acre tracts and even smaller parcels.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Section: 640 acres
- Half-Section: 320 acres
- Quarter-Section: 160 acres
- Quarter-Quarter Section: 40 acres
Describing Land with Aliquot Parts
Land descriptions using the PLSS often employ a system of “aliquot parts” to specify the location of a particular parcel within a section. Aliquot parts are fractions of a section, such as the northeast quarter (NE ¼) or the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter (SW ¼ NW ¼). These descriptions are read from right to left, with the smallest subdivision listed first. For example, the description “SW ¼ NW ¼ Section 10, T2N, R3W” refers to the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 10, township 2 north, range 3 west. This parcel would contain 40 acres.
Understanding how to interpret these aliquot part descriptions is essential for accurately locating and identifying land parcels on maps and legal documents.
Irregular Sections and Corrections
While the PLSS aims for perfect squares, the reality is that surveying irregularities and the curvature of the earth can lead to sections that are not precisely 640 acres. These are known as irregular sections or government lots.
Causes of Irregularities
Several factors can contribute to irregular sections. One major cause is the convergence of meridians. Since meridians converge as they approach the North and South Poles, townships and sections in the northern and southern tiers of a township will not be perfect squares. Another cause is surveying errors. Despite best efforts, errors can occur during the surveying process, leading to slight deviations from the intended dimensions. Finally, natural obstacles such as lakes, rivers, and mountains can also result in irregular sections, as surveyors may have had to adjust their lines to accommodate these features.
Government Lots: Accounting for Discrepancies
To account for these irregularities, the PLSS uses “government lots.” These are irregular-shaped parcels of land that are assigned a lot number within the section. Government lots typically occur along the north and west sides of townships, where the convergence of meridians is most pronounced. The acreage of each government lot is calculated individually and is listed on official survey plats. This allows for accurate tracking of land ownership and prevents disputes over acreage.
Practical Applications: Why Knowing About Sections Matters
Understanding the concept of a section and its subdivisions has numerous practical applications across various fields.
Real Estate and Land Transactions
In real estate, accurate land descriptions are essential for property transactions. Knowing how to interpret PLSS descriptions allows buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals to accurately identify and assess the value of land parcels. It also helps to prevent boundary disputes and ensures clear title to the property.
Agriculture and Land Management
Farmers and ranchers rely on accurate land measurements for planning crop rotations, managing livestock, and determining property boundaries. Understanding sections and their subdivisions allows them to efficiently allocate resources and optimize land use.
Surveying and Engineering
Surveyors use the PLSS as the basis for their work, accurately locating and mapping land parcels. Engineers also rely on PLSS data for infrastructure projects, such as roads, pipelines, and utility lines.
Genealogy and Historical Research
Genealogists often use land records to trace family histories. The PLSS provides a valuable tool for locating ancestors’ land holdings and understanding their settlement patterns. Land ownership records, often described using sections and townships, can reveal details about an ancestor’s life, including their economic status and geographic location.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Many legal and regulatory requirements, such as zoning ordinances and environmental regulations, are based on land descriptions. Understanding sections and their subdivisions is essential for ensuring compliance with these requirements.
Tools and Resources for Working with Sections
Fortunately, several tools and resources are available to help navigate the complexities of the PLSS and work with sections.
Online Mapping Tools
Numerous online mapping tools, such as Google Earth, GIS software, and county assessor websites, allow users to view PLSS data and identify sections, townships, and ranges. These tools often provide additional information, such as aerial imagery, property boundaries, and tax information.
Survey Plats and Land Records
Official survey plats and land records are the most reliable sources of information about sections and their subdivisions. These documents, which are typically maintained by county recorder’s offices, provide detailed descriptions of land parcels, including their acreage and boundaries.
GIS Software and Data
Geographic Information System (GIS) software allows users to analyze and visualize spatial data, including PLSS information. GIS data is available from various sources, including government agencies and private companies.
Educational Resources
Several educational resources, such as online tutorials, workshops, and college courses, provide in-depth instruction on the PLSS and land surveying principles. These resources can be valuable for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of land measurement and the PLSS.
In conclusion, understanding the concept of a section – its 640 acres, its origins in the Public Land Survey System, and its practical applications – is crucial for anyone involved in land-related activities. From real estate transactions to agricultural management, a solid grasp of sections and their subdivisions ensures accuracy, prevents disputes, and facilitates informed decision-making.
What exactly is a section of land, and why is it important to understand its size?
A section of land is a standard unit of measurement used in the United States Public Land Survey System (PLSS). This system, established in 1785, divides land into a grid pattern for surveying and property ownership purposes. A section is ideally one square mile.
Understanding the size of a section is crucial for various reasons, including real estate transactions, agricultural planning, resource management, and even historical research. Accurate knowledge of section sizes enables precise land descriptions and prevents disputes regarding property boundaries.
How many acres are typically found within a standard section of land?
A standard section of land contains 640 acres. This figure is derived from the fact that a section is one square mile, and one square mile is equivalent to 640 acres. This fundamental relationship is the cornerstone of understanding land division within the PLSS.
However, it’s important to note that not all sections are perfectly square or contain exactly 640 acres. Irregularities can arise due to natural features like rivers or lakes, as well as surveying errors. These non-standard sections, often called “fractional sections,” might contain more or less than 640 acres.
Are there any variations in section sizes, and if so, what causes them?
Yes, variations in section sizes do exist. The most common cause is due to the curvature of the Earth. The PLSS uses a rectangular grid system on a spherical surface, which inevitably leads to adjustments and corrections in the size and shape of sections, particularly along range lines (north-south lines every six miles).
Another cause of variations stems from surveying errors or omissions made during the original land surveys. Natural features such as rivers, lakes, or mountains can also lead to irregular section boundaries and sizes. These factors can result in sections that are not perfectly square or that contain more or less than the standard 640 acres.
What are “fractional sections,” and how do they differ from standard sections?
Fractional sections are sections of land that do not conform to the standard one-square-mile (640-acre) size. These irregularities often occur along the north and west sides of townships due to the convergence of range lines and the initial survey methods used in the PLSS.
Unlike standard sections, fractional sections may contain more or less than 640 acres. They are usually designated by terms like “lot” or “government lot,” and their acreage is specifically noted in land records and legal descriptions. Surveyors and land professionals carefully document these fractional sections to ensure accurate property descriptions and boundaries.
How can I determine the exact acreage of a specific section of land?
The most reliable way to determine the exact acreage of a specific section of land is to consult official land records at the county courthouse or land records office where the property is located. These records should contain the original survey plats and legal descriptions, which will specify the acreage of each section, including any fractional sections.
Another useful resource is a professional land surveyor. Surveyors have the expertise and equipment to accurately measure the boundaries and calculate the acreage of a section, taking into account any irregularities or variations. They can provide a certified survey plat that legally defines the property boundaries and acreage.
What is the relationship between a section, a township, and a range in the PLSS?
The Public Land Survey System (PLSS) organizes land using a hierarchical structure. A township is a square parcel of land six miles by six miles, containing 36 sections. Each section within a township is typically one square mile.
Ranges are vertical columns of townships extending north and south from an initial meridian. Townships are numbered north and south from a baseline, while ranges are numbered east and west from an initial meridian. The intersection of a specific township and range defines a unique geographic location, making it possible to accurately locate any section of land within the PLSS grid.
How does the knowledge of section acreage benefit someone involved in real estate or land development?
Understanding section acreage is crucial for real estate professionals and land developers when evaluating potential properties. It allows for accurate assessment of land value, development potential, and compliance with zoning regulations. Accurate acreage calculations are essential for determining the feasibility of projects and negotiating fair prices.
Moreover, knowledge of section divisions and the PLSS enables precise property descriptions, which are vital for legal documents, deeds, and title searches. Developers rely on this knowledge to divide larger parcels into smaller lots, plan infrastructure, and ensure compliance with local ordinances. Accuracy in land measurement and description is paramount for avoiding legal disputes and ensuring smooth transactions.