each section in the township and range system is

Understanding the Township and Range System in Kansas

The United States government first surveyed the State of Kansas, beginning in 1855 and continuing into the 1880s. This process led to the creation of a unique system for dividing up land, known as the township and range system. Each section in the township and range system is 'each section in the township and range system is' divided into square miles, with townships being six miles tall and numbered north to south starting from the Nebraska-Kansas border. Ranges, on the other hand, are six miles wide and begin numbering from the 6th prime meridian, which roughly follows the path of Highway 81 and bisects Wichita.

The township and range grid system is still used today for legal descriptions on Kansas land deeds. It provides a precise way to identify specific parcels of land, making it easier for property owners and government agencies to navigate complex land transactions. This system has been in use for over 150 years, and its legacy can be seen in the original plat maps and field note books that were created during the survey process.

One example of an original plat map is the one shown below, which depicts a township located at 12 south, range 20 east (marked in red on the above map). This map was surveyed between December 1855 and April 1856. On the map, you can see various features such as squares with squiggly lines representing cultivated land, existing roads and trails drawn as two parallel lines, and green outlines of banks and riparian areas around streams.

The plat maps also include information about buffalo licks and other natural features that were significant to early settlers and surveyors. The Delaware Diminished Reserve land is marked on this map, along with the names of tribal members whose farms appear on it. This level of detail provides valuable insights into the lives of those who lived in these areas during the mid-19th century.

Overall, the township and range system has played a crucial role in shaping Kansas' history and development. Its legacy can be seen in the original plat maps, field note books, and land deeds that remain an important part of the state's cultural heritage today.