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Franklin County Engineer

As a local public works agency headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, the Franklin County Engineer's Office is responsible for the maintenance and construction of 271 miles of county roadway and 351 county bridges, as well as upkeep of all county ditches, drains, retention basins, and other storm water facilities within the right-of-way of county roads in unincorporated areas. To meet the continuing development and infrastructure needs of Franklin County, the Engineer's Office utilizes the latest technologies for determining and maintaining roadway centerlines and boundaries; retracing and setting new monuments for original public land surveys; preparing geographic information system mapping for real estate tax assessments; and establishing precise countywide horizontal and vertical control to maintain uniformity in construction, surveying, and mapping.
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
This Engineers Week, we proudly recognize the dedicated engineers of the Franklin County Engineer’s Office. Their expertise, innovation, and commitment are essential in designing, maintaining, and improving the roads, bridges, and infrastructure that keep our community safe and connected. From design and construction to problem-solving and sustainability, their work ensures the reliability and efficiency of our transportation network. We are grateful for their hard work and service to the Franklin County community. Thank you for all you do! #EWeek
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
Our offices are closed today in recognition of Presidents’ Day. We will reopen Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 7:00 a.m.
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office has canceled the Level 1 Snow Emergency for Franklin County. Thank you to #TeamFCEO Snowfighters who have been hard at work to ensure our roads are clear and safe. Please continue to stay alert and use caution when driving.
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office has declared a LEVEL ONE Snow Emergency. Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may also be icy. Motorists are urged to drive very cautiously.
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
Celebrate Engineers Week with #TeamFCEO! The 2025 Engineers Week theme, “Design Your Future,” highlights the limitless possibilities in engineering. From building strong infrastructure to driving innovation, engineers shape our communities every day. Join us in recognizing their impact and inspiring the next generation! #EngineersWeek #DesignYourFuture
Franklin County Engineer
Franklin County Engineer
Congratulations to Brent Welch on reaching his 15-year milestone anniversary with the Franklin County Engineer’s Office! Your dedication, professionalism, and commitment have been instrumental in supporting our mission and serving the Franklin County community. Thank you for your service and for being an integral part of #TeamFCEO!
Franklin County Engineer's Office
970 DUBLIN ROAD
COLUMBUS, OHIO 43215
(614) 525-3030
fracoeng@franklincountyengineer.org

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Surveyor’s Journal Entry Two

Surveyor’s Journal Entry Two

The Land Ordinance of 1785 and “The Point of Beginning”

Following Great Britain’s relinquishment of the Northwest Territory (area north of the Ohio River and west of the Appalachian Mountains) at the end of the American Revolution, the Congress of the Confederation sought to open the new territory for settlement by passing the Land Ordinance of 1785.

The legislation established the first national survey standards that enabled the legal measurement, division, and sale of more than 260,000 square miles of public land across modern-day Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and eastern Minnesota.

Since Congress, at the time, did not yet have the authority to directly tax the citizenry, the sale of public land was a viable way to generate funding for the government.

Under the leadership of Surveyor Thomas Hutchins, the first congressionally appointed “Geographer of the United States,” the new territory was to be surveyed using the “rectangular system” developed by Hutchins while on a British military expedition to the modern-day Coshocton County area, commanded by Colonel Henry Bouquet, in 1764. It called for land to be surveyed into squares, 24 miles in diameter, bounded by east and west base lines and north and south meridian lines. These squares were then to be divided into four squares, six miles in diameter, and designated as “Townships.” A township could then be subdivided into 36 sections of one square mile (640 acres) that could be subdivided for sale to land companies and settlers.

On September 30, 1785, Hutchins set “The Point of Beginning” for the survey of western America on the north shore of the Ohio River near modern-day East Liverpool, Ohio. He then ran a line 42 miles west over the hills of modern-day Columbiana and Carroll Counties, that became known as the “Geographer’s Line.” At each mile, a post was set and witness-trees were marked. Every sixth mile was considered a town corner from which a line was run south down to the Ohio River. These lines were marked every six miles for the east-west base lines, which resulted in seven rows or “ranges” of Ohio’s first townships.