If you’ve ever heard the term “section” in relation to land measurements, you may be wondering how many acres are in a section. This is a common question among those in the real estate, agriculture, and land surveying industries. Understanding the concept of sections and their relationship to acres is essential for anyone working with land measurements. In this article, we’ll explore the definition of a section, its historical significance, and how it relates to acres.
What is a Section?
A section is a unit of land measurement used in the United States and Canada. It is defined as a square with sides measuring one mile in length, which results in a total area of 640 acres. This standardized measurement of land was established as part of the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) and has been in use since the late 18th century. Sections are commonly used for legal descriptions of land parcels, particularly in rural and agricultural areas.
The PLSS was developed by the federal government as a way to systematically survey and divide land for settlement and development. Under the PLSS, the land is divided into a series of rectangular survey townships, each composed of 36 sections. This division allows for easier identification and transfer of land ownership.
How Many Acres in a Section?
As previously mentioned, there are 640 acres in a section. This fixed measurement provides a standardized unit for the evaluation and distribution of land. Knowing that a section encompasses 640 acres allows for easy calculation of land area when working with legal descriptions or land parcels.
Historical Significance
The concept of sections and the PLSS has deep historical roots in the development of the United States. The system was first implemented in the Northwest Territory by the Continental Congress in 1785 and further refined under the Land Ordinance of 1785. As the country expanded westward, the PLSS was instrumental in the orderly settlement and distribution of land, particularly in the western territories.
Sections played a significant role during the westward expansion of the 19th century, as they provided a systematic and standardized method for dividing and distributing land to settlers. The use of sections continues to be relevant today in various aspects of land administration, including property taxation, land development, and natural resource management.
How Sections Are Used
Sections are commonly utilized in a variety of industries and applications, including:
- Real Estate: Sections are used for legal descriptions of land parcels, particularly in rural and agricultural areas.
- Agriculture: Farmers and landowners use sections to divide and manage their agricultural land.
- Land Surveying: Surveyors use sections as a basis for conducting property surveys and establishing property boundaries.
- Resource Management: Sections are used in the management of timber, mineral, and other natural resources on public and private lands.
Understanding Land Descriptions
When it comes to legal descriptions of land, the use of sections is crucial for accurately delineating property boundaries. A typical legal land description includes the township, range, and section numbers, along with additional information such as the fractional part of a section or reference to boundary markers.
The following is an example of a legal land description using sections: Township 25 North, Range 10 West, Section 4, NE 1/4, SW 1/4. This description specifies the location and boundaries of a particular parcel of land within a larger survey township based on the PLSS system.
How Sections Are Numbered
Sections within a township are numbered sequentially from 1 to 36, starting in the northeastern corner and proceeding westward and then southward. The numbering pattern follows a serpentine pattern, with each row alternating in direction to ensure a systematic ordering of sections within the township.
The diagram below illustrates the numbering sequence of sections within a standard township:
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
| 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
| 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 |
| 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the section measurement?
The concept of sections as a standardized unit of land measurement was established as part of the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) in the late 18th century. This system was developed by the federal government to systematically survey and divide land for settlement and development.
Why are sections important in land administration?
Sections are important in land administration because they provide a systematic and standardized method for dividing and describing land parcels. This allows for accurate identification and transfer of land ownership, as well as effective management of natural resources.
How are sections used in legal land descriptions?
Sections are used in legal land descriptions to specify the location and boundaries of a particular parcel of land within a larger survey township. The legal description typically includes the township, range, and section numbers, as well as additional information such as the fractional part of a section or reference to boundary markers.
Are sections used in other countries besides the United States and Canada?
While the concept of sections is primarily associated with the United States and Canada, other countries may have similar systems for dividing and describing land. However, the specific terminology and measurements used may vary depending on the country’s land surveying practices.
What is a quarter section?
A quarter section refers to one-fourth of a full section, equating to 160 acres. In the PLSS system, a quarter section is commonly used as a smaller unit for land parcels, providing flexibility in dividing and transferring land ownership.
