A significant piece of legislation passed by the Congress of the Confederation, this act established a standardized system for surveying and selling western lands. It divided the territory into townships of six square miles, which were further subdivided into thirty-six sections of one square mile (640 acres) each. One section within each township was reserved for public education, demonstrating the commitment to promoting learning in the new territories.
This act facilitated westward expansion and orderly settlement of the United States. The grid system provided a clear and efficient way to allocate land, minimizing disputes and promoting organized communities. Furthermore, the revenue generated from land sales was intended to benefit the national government, providing financial stability to the fledgling nation. Its emphasis on public education laid the foundation for a nationwide system of schools.
