What does the Texas Act of December 14, 1837 stipulate regarding land surveyed on navigable water courses?

The Texas Act of December 14, 1837, specifically addresses the surveying and allocation of land adjacent to navigable water courses. According to this act, the stipulation is that the land shall front half of the square on the water courses. This means that when land is surveyed along these navigable waterways, the boundaries of parcels are to be established in a way that they extend to the midpoint of the water course, respecting the navigable nature of the water and ensuring access to it.

This provision is significant as it was intended to facilitate development and settlement along these vital resources while also acknowledging their importance in transportation, trade, and the natural environment. This approach helps delineate property lines and the rights of landowners in relation to water resources, providing a clear framework for land ownership and use in these areas.

Other options do not align with the provisions set forth in this act: there is no requirement for all land to be sold to the government, nor is there a provision for land boundaries extending to state borders, and discussions around sharing land with native tribes are not directly stipulated in the act, thus making the correct understanding of the legislation particularly important for land surveying practices in Texas.