What is the term for a column of townships running north and south?

The term for a column of townships running north and south is known as a "Range." In the context of the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) used in the United States, land is divided into a grid of townships and ranges, where townships are designated by their east-west position and ranges indicate their north-south position. Each range is numbered based on its distance from a principal meridian, allowing for precise identification and mapping of land. Understanding this terminology is essential for professionals in real estate and title insurance, as it helps in the accurate description of property locations and boundaries.