Land Surveys Share A Part In American History

It seems strange to think of the United States as one big land mass without any borders between states or lines between properties. However, it is because of land surveys that we have the order and organization that we do today. Thomas Jefferson was a land surveyor, as was George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. While these famous figures aren’t known for their groundbreaking surveying, it is through their tools and maps that the American landscape really took shape.

The new Museum is located in Springfield, Illinois and will house a great many artifacts related to surveying. You will also find a library with both archives as well as surveying materials. The museum is opening in the Illinois Heritage Center because it is a close location to other historical Abraham Lincoln landmarks. This museum, too, offers a look at the role Abraham Lincoln played in our histories past, with his job in surveying and how it played an important part. In Lincoln’s early career he was the deputy surveyor in Sangamon County, Illinois. This will definitely be a highlight in the museum.

The museum could also prove to be a valuable teaching tool for students as they study the concepts of townships, cities and roads. We take for granted that the lines were drawn for these by land surveyors. Further, the first settlers to America had to count on these lines or a survey of the farms to protect their claim. These very first acts are the very reason we have some of the lines for our villages, towns and counties today. What a fascinating way for students to learn more about this history by being able to visit the museum and see it first hand.

The integrity and professionalism of the surveyors such as Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln is also discussed. When we buy a house even today we rely heavily upon the work of a surveyor to draw up boundaries. It is difficult to say what would happen if land surveyors starting making up their own rules and changing all the boundaries. Since land surveying is such an integral part of our past it is important for people to study and understand it. The museum will house maps and other equipment that were used in the past. It might be particularly fascinating to compare the maps and textbooks that are used today with those from the past and see how things have changed.

Most of us don’t even really consider that land surveying has been around for a long time and has been a very important part of shaping the United States. If land surveyors had done things differently the shapes of states, villages, towns or counties could be much different today. Some of our founding fathers were in fact land surveyors and this museum serves as a reminder that they have left behind an amazing legacy for us to remember. Next time you are thinking about hiring a land surveyor think about the integrity of those surveyors from the past, consider the history of those that have come before and remember the amazing shape of America and how the land surveyors have played a key part in getting us where we are today.