The Ohio River was the site of some important historical land survey events. One may think that land surveying in America dated back to the original 13 colonies. However, surveying grew in importance just after the American Revolution. Since most settlements were along bodies of water, it became necessary to survey the land along rivers.
History of Surveying the Seven Ranges
The Seven Ranges in Ohio became the first area to be formally surveyed in America. This land had been acquired by Great Britain from France prior to the American Revolution. But after the war, the land obviously belonged to the United States of America.
In 1785, Congress passed the “Land Ordinance of 1785” to formalize the surveying and selling of land. The Seven Ranges along the Ohio River became the first area surveyed. The surveying of the Seven Ranges started in 1785 by Thomas Hutchins who held the position of The Geographer of The United States. Due to the fear of Native American resistance and Hutchins’ illness that ultimately led to his death, the Seven Ranges were finally completely surveyed in 1806.
History of Surveying Southeast Ohio
Did you know that George Washington was once a land surveyor. Washington studied land surveying prior to becoming the famous General and the First President of the United States.
Washington’s expertise in land surveying proved valuable during the time of the French and Indian War, for which he served. As Washington journeyed into Ohio, and along the Ohio River, his surveying skills allowed him to accurately note distances, terrain, and locations.
After the Treaty of Paris, Washington became a significant landowner in Ohio. He was sent to Ohio due to his knowledge of Ohio, the Ohio River, and his ability to survey the land.
Land Surveying Along Rivers Today
The history of Thomas Hutchins and George Washington surveying along the Ohio River is not lost on James of Cincinnati Land Surveyors. This company has experience surveying properties along the Ohio River. There are challenges of surveying properties on rivers, and the boundary between Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky is no different. The riparian boundary is can be emotional for property owners, but they are just another day of work for the crew at Cincinnati Land Surveyors.
The emotion of property owners is not an issue for this company, because they excel at working with their clients, explaining the process, and really providing exceptional customer service. And their customers also enjoy the history lesson of surveying in the area.
James says “We not only love surveying in the Tri-State area, but we also love the connection to surveying history that our home state has. And the rivers provide natural excitement and calm, and you may even catch us humming river music inspired by the land that we are fortunate to survey.”