The Evolution and Persistence of Three Land Division Systems in the Green Bay Region of Wisconsin

Abstract

This study describes and compares changes in survey lines, roads, and parcels among three different land division systems—the French long-lots, the American Public Land Survey, and the Williams Grant (a local application)—as they evolved from 1850 to 1975 in the Green Bay region of northeastern Wisconsin. Historic and computer cartographic methods were used to analyze the data. Stages in the development and settlement of the area are recognized—the speculative stage of 1850, the pioneer stage of 1889, the consolidation stage of 1936, and the urbanization stage of 1975. The study demonstrates that the original land division systems have persisted in the pattern of roads which is still visible today.