The formal enactment by the United States Congress on May 20, 1785, established a standardized system for surveying and selling the western lands acquired after the Revolutionary War. This legislative act provided a mechanism for orderly settlement and distribution of territory north and west of the Ohio River. It dictated that the land be surveyed into townships, each six miles square, further subdivided into thirty-six sections of one square mile (640 acres) each. Section 16 was specifically designated for the maintenance of public schools, illustrating the nascent nation’s commitment to education.
This structured approach facilitated westward expansion by minimizing land disputes and generating revenue for the young nation. The revenue generated from land sales helped to pay off national debt incurred during the Revolutionary War. The ordinance also established a framework for governance in these territories, laying the groundwork for future statehood. By emphasizing education and planned development, it shaped the social and political landscape of the American Midwest, fostering a culture of civic engagement and opportunity.