When was the Federal Land Survey System adopted in the United States?

The Federal Land Survey System was adopted in the United States in 1785 as a significant measure to organize land distribution in the newly formed nation. This system was established by the Land Ordinance of 1785, which aimed to create a structured approach for surveying and selling lands in the western territories. The ordinance introduced a rectangular system of land surveys, dividing the land into townships and sections, which provided a systematic method for land allocation and ownership. This foundational system not only facilitated land sales but also served as a basis for future land management policies in the U.S. The subsequent dates or legislation, while important in historical context, do not represent the establishment of this crucial surveying framework.