What is the term for the area of land defined as 36 square miles?

The term for an area of land defined as 36 square miles is known as a township. In surveying terms, a township is a standard measurement used in the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) and is typically a square that measures six miles on each side, resulting in a total area of 36 square miles. Townships are the foundational units used in land division, particularly in rural areas, and are often further divided into sections.

Each township contains 36 sections, with each section measuring one square mile (640 acres). This systematic approach allows for the effective management and description of land, particularly in areas that were historically developed based on the PLSS.

Understanding this terminology is crucial for anyone working in real estate, land surveying, or title insurance, as it aids in the accurate identification and classification of property boundaries and holdings.