Quarter Corner
A surveyed point set midway between section corners, marking the boundaries of quarter sections.
Detailed Definition
A quarter corner is a survey monument established at the midpoint between two adjacent section corners. Quarter corners define the boundaries of quarter sections (160 acres) within each section.
Location and purpose: - Set at the midpoint of each section line - Four quarter corners per section (N, S, E, W sides) - Define boundaries of quarter sections (NE/4, NW/4, SE/4, SW/4) - Essential for subdividing land into smaller parcels
Quarter section boundaries: - Lines connecting opposite quarter corners divide section into quarters - Each quarter section contains approximately 160 acres - Quarter-quarter sections (40 acres) use calculated midpoints
Monument specifications: - Similar monumentation to section corners - Marked with "1/4 S" or "QC" designation - Bearing trees or witness corners may be established - GPS coordinates recorded in modern surveys
Legal significance: - Control subdivision of sections - Referenced in mining claim descriptions - Define boundaries for homestead entries - Used in aliquot part descriptions
Center of section: The intersection of lines connecting opposite quarter corners establishes the center of section, which is a calculated point rather than a monumented corner.
Related Terms
PLSS
The Public Land Survey System, a method of subdividing and describing land in the United States using townships, ranges, and sections.
Legal Description
The formal written description of a parcel of land that uniquely identifies its location and boundaries for legal purposes.
Aliquot Part
A subdivision of a PLSS section, typically quarter sections (160 acres) or smaller divisions.
Section Corner
A surveyed point marking the intersection of section lines, monumented on the ground to define section boundaries.