The Land Ordinance of 1785 was a significant piece of legislation passed by the Articles of Confederation Congress that laid the foundation for the future expansion and settlement of the United States. The most important result of this ordinance was the systematic survey and sale of land in the western territories, which ultimately facilitated westward expansion.
This ordinance divided the land into townships, each measuring six miles square, which could further be divided into 36 sections of one square mile each. This organization made it easier for settlers to purchase land and establish farms, thus promoting agriculture and settlement in the newly acquired territories. Additionally, one section was reserved for public education, which highlighted the early American emphasis on literacy and education.
By establishing a clear, organized method for land distribution, the Land Ordinance of 1785 encouraged more people to move westward, contributing to the growth of new states and the overall expansion of the United States. This laid the groundwork for future land policies and set a precedent for how the government would manage public lands in the years to come.