1785 A.D.

BC
23000

AD
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The Land Ordinance of 1785 creates the township grid method of survey, replacing the old "metes and bounds" system used by the early colonials. Each township has thirty-six sections (one square mile each) and section 16 is reserved for the support of public schools.

Greatest flood ever in area (according to Indians) takes place. Settlers were in awe and they dubbed it the "l'annee des grands eaux," or "Year of the great waters."