Which Meridian governs the majority of the state of Oklahoma?

The Indian Meridian governs the majority of the state of Oklahoma and serves as a principal meridian for land surveying and mapping in the state. Established in the late 19th century, it was one of the key references used in the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) to organize land into townships and sections. This system facilitates consistent and systematic identification of land parcels, essential for property transactions, development, and land use planning.

The Indian Meridian specifically addresses the needs of the areas that were originally part of the Indian Territory, where much of Oklahoma's land was organized under various tribal allocations and subsequent governmental regulations. Its significance lies not only in land division but also in the historical context of land ownership and the relationship between the state and Native American populations. Understanding this context is crucial for land surveyors and those involved in real estate in Oklahoma.

In contrast, the other meridians mentioned, such as the Cimarron Meridian, primarily serve areas not as extensive as the Indian Meridian in Oklahoma. The Standard Meridian and North Meridian are not specific reference points within the context of Oklahoma's land surveying system, making them less relevant for most land divisions in the state. Therefore, the Indian Meridian is recognized as the critical reference for conducting land surveys throughout most of