Which principal meridian governs rectangular surveys in Wisconsin?

The principal meridian that governs rectangular surveys in Wisconsin is the Fourth Principal Meridian. This meridian serves as a reference point for the survey system used to delineate land areas and establish property boundaries throughout the state.

The Fourth Principal Meridian was established for the survey of lands in the regions of Wisconsin and parts of Minnesota and Iowa. It is crucial for ensuring uniformity in land surveying and helps in the organization of land into townships and sections, which are fundamental elements of the Public Land Survey System.

The other options refer to different principal meridians that govern other regions. The First Principal Meridian is used primarily for surveys in other areas across the United States, while Illinois is associated with its own surveying system. The Wisconsin Principal Meridian is not recognized as a standard reference in the context of rectangular surveying in Wisconsin. This specificity is necessary for those involved in land assessment and property delineation to understand which meridian is utilized for their surveys in the state.