What was the primary purpose of the rectangular survey system established in 1785?

The primary purpose of the rectangular survey system established in 1785 was to provide a faster and simpler method of land description than the metes and bounds system. This system was designed to create a standardized method for surveying and dividing land into parcels, making it easier to manage and sell land in the expanding United States. It replaced the often complicated and irregular metes and bounds system, which relied on physical landmarks and was prone to disputes and inconsistencies.

By utilizing a grid-based approach that divided land into squares and rectangles based on measurable units, the rectangular survey system allowed for clear descriptions of property boundaries, which greatly facilitated land sales, ownership transfers, and land management. This simplification was especially important as the country expanded westward and required a more efficient way to handle land distribution.

While the other options touch on various aspects of land management and rights, they do not capture the key intent of the rectangular survey system. The focus on establishing clear, consistent, and easy-to-use methods of land description is what distinguishes this foundational surveying system.