Land grant boundaries were often defined by which of the following?

Land grant boundaries were often defined by which of the following?

• A. Lines laid out by a surveyor.
• B. A map drawn by the city engineer.
• C. Rocks, trees, mountains, or other landmarks.
• D. Nothing except communal land.

Answer: (C)

Land grant boundaries in New Mexico were commonly defined by natural landmarks such as rocks, trees, and mountains. This method of boundary demarcation was practical in the context of the landscape, as these physical features were visible and recognizable markers that could be used by the community and landholders to delineate property lines. Since many of these grants were established in the 18th and 19th centuries, during times when formal surveying was less common, reliance on readily identifiable natural features was a logical choice. Using natural landmarks helped establish a clear understanding of the land's extent among local residents, especially in rural areas where precise surveys may not have been feasible or accessible. This practice ties into broader themes in history regarding how communities interacted with their environment and defined their claims to land, particularly in a region as diverse and varied as New Mexico.

Land grant boundaries in New Mexico were commonly defined by natural landmarks such as rocks, trees, and mountains. This method of boundary demarcation was practical in the context of the landscape, as these physical features were visible and recognizable markers that could be used by the community and landholders to delineate property lines. Since many of these grants were established in the 18th and 19th centuries, during times when formal surveying was less common, reliance on readily identifiable natural features was a logical choice.

Using natural landmarks helped establish a clear understanding of the land's extent among local residents, especially in rural areas where precise surveys may not have been feasible or accessible. This practice ties into broader themes in history regarding how communities interacted with their environment and defined their claims to land, particularly in a region as diverse and varied as New Mexico.