Land Ordinance of 1785

Definition

The Land Ordinance of 1785 was a significant piece of legislation enacted by the Continental Congress that established a systematic process for surveying, dividing, and selling public lands in the western territories of the United States. This ordinance aimed to create an organized framework for land acquisition and settlement, promoting economic development and encouraging migration westward. By establishing a method for selling land to settlers, it helped stimulate the economy during the early years of the republic and laid the groundwork for future land policies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Land Ordinance of 1785 set up a grid system for surveying land into townships of six square miles each, further divided into 36 sections of one square mile.
2. Each section was priced at $1 per acre, with some sections reserved for public schools, showing an early commitment to education.
3. This ordinance was crucial in organizing the sale of public lands, which provided revenue for the federal government during a time of economic instability.
4. It also facilitated orderly settlement in the Northwest Territory, helping to reduce conflicts between settlers and Native American tribes.
5. The principles established by the Land Ordinance influenced later legislation, including the Homestead Act, reinforcing the idea of providing land for settlement.

Review Questions

• How did the Land Ordinance of 1785 contribute to economic stability in the early republic?
  • The Land Ordinance of 1785 played a crucial role in establishing economic stability by creating a systematic method for surveying and selling public lands. This process generated revenue for the federal government during a time of financial uncertainty. By promoting land sales, it encouraged migration and settlement in western territories, fostering economic growth and development in those areas.
• Discuss how the Land Ordinance of 1785 influenced future land acquisition policies in the United States.
  • The Land Ordinance of 1785 set a precedent for future land acquisition policies by establishing a structured approach to surveying and selling land. It influenced subsequent legislation like the Northwest Ordinance and the Homestead Act, both of which built upon its framework. These policies continued to promote westward expansion and economic opportunities for settlers, shaping the country's development.
• Evaluate the impact of the Land Ordinance of 1785 on Native American communities and their land rights during westward expansion.
  • The Land Ordinance of 1785 had significant implications for Native American communities as it facilitated westward expansion by promoting settlement on lands traditionally occupied by these tribes. While it organized land sales and created economic opportunities for settlers, it often disregarded Native American land rights and led to increased conflicts over territory. The systematic approach to land acquisition exemplified by this ordinance contributed to the displacement and marginalization of Native populations as American settlers moved into these areas.

Related terms

Northwest Ordinance: A law passed in 1787 that established a framework for governing the Northwest Territory and provided a method for admitting new states to the Union.

Public Land Survey System: A systematic method used to survey and divide land in the United States, which originated from the Land Ordinance of 1785.

Homestead Act:

A law enacted in 1862 that encouraged westward migration by providing settlers with land at little or no cost, following earlier land policies like the Land Ordinance.