Twelvepole

Twelvepole refers to a historical system of land division used in some parts of the United States, particularly in the survey and settlement of western territories. The name "twelvepole" derives from the measurement of twelve poles, a pole being a unit of length equivalent to 16.5 feet. This unit was used to define the width of a land parcel.

In this system, land was often surveyed into sections, which were then further subdivided. A common configuration involved a twelvepole frontage along a road or waterway, extending back a certain depth. This method allowed for equitable distribution of access to resources like water or transportation routes among settlers. The precise depth of these parcels could vary depending on the specific survey and land grant.

The twelvepole system was an early attempt to standardize land ownership and facilitate orderly settlement. While not as universally recognized as the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) which became dominant later, it played a role in the initial mapping and allocation of land in certain regions. Understanding twelvepole measurements can be important for historical property research and understanding the early development of specific areas.