A MONUMENTAL TASK

"LEWIS AND CLARK EXPADITION"

Initial Points Page

August 11, 2003

I am pretty sure it was run on a true meridian using either solar or astronomic observations (or both).

The field notes would reveal the methods used.

4.4k · August 11, 2003

The Plat I have shows that it was a split between 91 3.122 at EH2910(The Monument),

and 91 0.0 at Township 40(240 Mi. North),

This being neither True Meridian or Magnetic.

And at TWP 22(132 mi. North) it should not be 2 miles off.

WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS *GEOTRYAGAIN*

**1803-2003** "LOUSIANA PURCHASE"

"LEWIS AND CLARK EXPADITION"

Initial Points Page

http://americanhistory2.si.edu/surveying/object.cfm?recordnumber=745733

August 13, 2003

The intent was to run a true (astronomic) north line. The equipment of the time was a magnetic compass. Generally, they would make frequent observations on the north star (Polaris) and set the correction between magnetic north and true north on the compass.

One of the better compass manufactures of the time was Benjamin Rittenhouse. In 1815, Surveyor General Edwin Tiffin instructed his Deputy Surveyors to use "a good compass of Rittenhouse's construction".

Link to a Rittenhouse compass courtesy of the Smithsonian…

An open sight compass is not a particularly accurate instrument. After running 132 miles north they were off line by about two miles. A two-mile error may sound like a lot now, but back then it was a pretty darn good job.

1.1k · August 13, 2003

Honestly one has to appreciate the equipment and methods of the time and in all this saga this simply hasn't been understood well at all.

Geez in some countries blocks were cut off based on horse traverses. Like how far can a horse walk in a period of time? If it was my block I would have wanted a long long legged horse

Time to really get over this or at least understand what times and conditions were like back then and simply the way things were done, done the best way with the equipment of the time.

Cheers, Kerry.

I never get lost everybody keeps telling me where to go

4.4k · August 13, 2003

DP

4.4k · August 13, 2003

double post

4.4k · August 13, 2003

Thanks for the replies.

I really do appreciate your time and patience.

These lines as surveyed though are the original corners they were intended to represent.

The numerous monuments, bearing trees and corners can't be changed.

This brings up the next point.

If a surveyor now comes and runs a true meridian property line,North and South,and a true Paralell East and West this does not correspond to the rules as set forth.Or the evidence as shown.

You can not now say that because of errors we are going to change property boundries.Which has and is being done.

Especially when your (Abstract)deed,to Patent goes all the way back(chain of custody)to the Louisiana Purchase like mine does.

My Goal is to Educate not knock anyone.

If things are Law and they are to be done a certian way then we all have to follow the same rules.

I am also not insinuating that anyone here is doing that either.

WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS *GEOTRYAGAIN*

TAKE PRIDE IN AMERICA

http://www.doi.gov/news/front_current.html

**1803-2003** "LOUSIANA PURCHASE"

"LEWIS AND CLARK EXPADITION"

Initial Points Page

http://www.doi.gov/news/front_current.html

1.1k · August 14, 2003

Not sure what it would be called over your way but a thing called "occupation", what one is/has historically actually occupied as defined by boundaries, markers, monuments even fences etc etc in most cases takes precedence over lines on paper but is generally looked at in relation to surrounding boundaries as well.

There is generally a precedence based on historical and all other relevant amount of information at all levels of land entitlement. Actually land titles and boundaries are far from an exact science for a number of reasons.

Cheers, Kerry.

I never get lost everybody keeps telling me where to go

[This message was edited by Kerry on August 14, 2003 at 03:05 PM.]

August 14, 2003

When John H. Clark surveyed the boundary between Texas and the south boundary of Mew Mexico in 1859, he missed the 103rd Meridian, which was supposed to be the north-south line between the two states by almost 4 miles.

And that is how it remains.

It is a well establish surveying and legal principle that monuments hold over direction or distance.

4.4k · August 14, 2003

Yes this is my understanding,And My Query has been mainly for refinement of my standings.

I am only trying to hold 2 Presidential Patents,Roosevelt and Taft, to where they have originally been surveyed and am adversely or otherwise holding to the Deed of Records that I have in my possesion,Issued by the BLM,and the County Deed as well.And have been recorded in the Library of Congress for almost 100 years now.

I have some trying to change the borders of the said Public lands in question.

I could not afford a surveyor for 10 years of exploration and reconnisance of data that I knew existed by what was on the ground here.

It has led me to respect the work the Forefathers did whether or not they were always correct,this is what has made our Nation so Strong,Battle Adversity and stand up for your rights and what you believe in.

Groundspeak-Geocaching has made a wonderful way here to discuss and have camaraderie on these somtimes touchy subjects.

It has also allowed a place to talk to others out of this area as to the aspects of these matters.

Thanks again for all your replies to this discussion and I will now let it ..................................go

WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS *GEOTRYAGAIN*

TAKE PRIDE IN AMERICA

**1803-2003** "LOUSIANA PURCHASE"

"LEWIS AND CLARK EXPADITION"

Initial Points Page