What is a six-mile strip that runs parallel to the meridian called?

The term that describes a six-mile strip that runs parallel to the meridian is known as a range. In the context of the rectangular survey system used in land measurement, ranges are designated strips of land that run north and south, parallel to a specific meridian. Each range is identified by its distance east or west of a principal meridian, which is a vertical line used as a reference point for surveying.

Understanding the significance of a range is critical for navigating land descriptions and property boundaries in real estate. It plays a fundamental role in organizing the vast expanse of land into manageable units for ownership and taxation purposes. When combined with townships, which are six-mile squares created by the intersection of ranges and lines, they provide a systematic way to identify parcels of land.

In this context, while sections break down townships into smaller units (640 acres each), and parcels refer more generally to a specific piece of land, it is the range that specifically describes the six-mile strip running parallel to the meridian.