How are sections numbered within a township?

Sections within a township are numbered in an S pattern starting from the top right. This numbering system is part of the rectangular survey system used in the United States, also known as the Public Land Survey System (PLSS).

In this system, a township is a square that typically measures 6 miles on each side and is divided into 36 sections, each of which is 1 square mile (640 acres). The numbering begins in the northeastern corner of the township, known as Section 1, and proceeds to the right (east) across the top row of sections. Upon reaching the far right, the numbering continues down to the next row, moving left (west), and this zigzag or S-shaped pattern continues until all sections are numbered, with Section 36 located in the southeastern corner of the township.

This systematic approach is crucial for land description, ownership, and understanding property boundaries, making it clear and uniform across different regions. The uniqueness of this method helps avoid confusion that could arise from varying local systems of land division.