The Impactful Legacy: Land Ordinance of 1785 and its Significance in the Development of the United States

Land Ordinance of 1785

A law that established a plan to survey and sell federally owned lands west of the Appalachian Mountains.

The Land Ordinance of 1785 was a crucial piece of legislation passed by the Continental Congress in the early days of the United States. Its purpose was to establish a consistent system for the surveying and selling of public lands in the newly formed Western territories. Here are some key features and background information on the Land Ordinance of 1785:

1. Surveying System: The Land Ordinance established a standard system for surveying land in the western territories. Land would be divided into demarcated areas known as townships, which were subdivided into 36 sections of one square mile each. The sections, in turn, were to be sold to the public at a minimum price of $1 per acre.

2. Public Land Sales: The Land Ordinance authorized the sale of public lands to private citizens, as well as to companies and organizations. This was seen as a way to raise much-needed funds for the federal government, and also to encourage settlement and development of the new territories.

3. Distribution of Funds: The revenue generated from land sales was to be used for a specific set of purposes. A portion of the proceeds was to be allocated to the states to fund schools and other public institutions. Another portion was to be reserved for the federal government to help pay off the debts incurred during the Revolutionary War.

4. Importance: The Land Ordinance of 1785 was a significant moment in American history because it set the stage for the orderly settlement and development of the western territories. The system of surveying and selling public lands established by the ordinance would continue to be used for years to come, and it helped to promote the ideal of a society based on property ownership.

In conclusion, the Land Ordinance of 1785 was a major legislative achievement that helped to shape the development of the United States in its early years. Its provisions regarding land surveying, public land sales, and the distribution of funds had a lasting impact on the growth of the country and the role of government in promoting economic development.

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