Beginning Point of the U.S. Public Land Survey facts for kids
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Beginning Point of the
U.S. Public Land Survey |
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Front of the monument
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | East Liverpool, Ohio |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1786 |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000606 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | June 23, 1965 |
The Beginning Point of the U.S. Public Land Survey is a very important spot in American history. It's where the United States started officially measuring and mapping its new lands in 1786. These lands were called the Northwest Territory. Today, this territory makes up all or part of states like Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
This land survey was the first big land mapping project ever done by any country. The actual starting point is now underwater. It's on the state line between Ohio and Pennsylvania. Because it's underwater, a special monument was placed nearby. This monument helps us remember the important starting point. The area around the monument became a National Historic Landmark in 1965.
Contents
Where is the Monument?
The monument is located on the north side of the Ohio River. You can find it on the south side of a road. This road is called Ohio State Route 39 in Ohio and Pennsylvania Route 68 in Pennsylvania.
It's very close to where three states meet: Ohio, Pennsylvania, and the northern tip of West Virginia. The monument has words carved into it. It says, "1,112 feet south of this spot was the point of beginning for surveying the Public Lands of the United States."
Why Was This Survey Important?
The United States government created the Public Land Survey System in 1785. This system was designed to help organize and open up the Northwest Territory for new settlers. It made sure that land could be divided and sold in an orderly way.
How the Survey Started
Congress asked the Geographer of the United States, Thomas Hutchins, to start this survey. He needed to create an east-west baseline. Hutchins began his work in 1786. His starting point was a stake placed by another survey team in 1785. That team had been marking the border between Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Hutchins finished his survey in 1787. His work created an area known as the Seven Ranges. This area had a baseline about 45 miles (72 km) long. Many people believe this was the first time any modern country used a mathematically planned system to map its land.
The Monument Today
The monument you see today was put in place in 1881. The East Liverpool Historical Society takes care of it. In 1965, this important site was named a National Historic Landmark.
