First principal meridian, Land survey meridian at Ohio-Indiana border, United States
The First Principal Meridian extends north from where the Ohio River meets the Great Miami River, marking the boundary between Ohio and Indiana. This meridian serves as a reference point for numbering ranges in surveyed areas west of the Scioto River.
This meridian was established in 1805 to organize the surveying of northwestern Ohio lands following treaties with Native American nations. It became the foundation for systematic land distribution to settlers in the region.
This meridian served as a reference line for dividing land into organized townships and sections that settlers could claim and develop.
The meridian is located at longitude 84 degrees 48 minutes 50 seconds west and forms the basis for surveying land in this region. Visitors can reach the original location by heading to where the Ohio River meets the Great Miami River.
A stone marker inscribed with S31 marks Section 31, Township 1 North, Range 1 East and preserves the original survey measurements from the 1800s. These markers reveal the precision early surveyors achieved when mapping the frontier territory.
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