In terms of railroad grants, did railroads typically receive even or odd sections?

Railroads typically received odd sections of land as part of their grants. This practice was established primarily to support the development of the railroads and incentivize their construction across new territories. The odd-numbered sections were usually set aside for railroad companies due to the provisions laid out in various land grant acts.

The rationale behind granting odd sections is that it allowed for railroads to secure a continuous stretch of land for their right-of-way and to facilitate access to resources and development opportunities. Additionally, the sections that were not granted (the even-numbered ones) remained in public ownership, allowing for future settlement and development by individuals or the government.

Understanding this aspect of land grants is important, as it directly relates to how railroads shaped the landscape and economy of the regions they traversed, providing essential infrastructure for movement and commerce. This historical context helps clarify the land policies put in place during the westward expansion of the United States.