Agriculture: It’s Impact on the Cultural Landscape

Resaca Grove Farm, Rio Grande Valley PHOTO: Marin Pierce/Resaca Grove Farm

http://www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/tif/southtexas/sidebars/agriculture.html

Patterns visible from above ground reflect the land survey system and land ownership defined by cadastral system. This system allowed settlement patterns to be regulated.

Rectangular=most prevalent in U.S.*rectangular checkerboard pattern*part of township-and-range system*designed to move non-Native Americans across farmland*sold in 1 square mile sections

Cadastrel patterns vary across the U.S. and Canada

Metes and Bounds Survey Eastern seaboard, used natural features to delineate irregular parcels of land

Another: Long-lot surveys*Canada Maritimes, Quebec, Louisiana, Texas*narrow parcels stretching from rivers, roads, canals*common in French America

Few true farm villages remain today – five typical village layouts to be familiar with…