The Land Ordinance of 1785 established the rectangular system of survey, which divided land into townships six miles square. A form of local government, known as Township government, was then established. Today, township government is primarily found in the northeast and north central United States. Townships are a subdivision of a county, ranging in size from 6 to 54 square miles with 36 square miles being the normal. The responsibilities and the form of the township government are specified by the state legislature.
Townships are the oldest form of government in Indiana and is considered the grassroots form of government because of its locality to the people it governs. Indiana townships have an elected trustee and an elected board. The most common responsibilities of a township are things such as helping the indigent, fire protection, cemetery maintenance, weed control and other duties.
Indiana is the only state where every portion of the state is part of a township government. There are 1,005 townships in Indiana.
Van Buren Township
Van Buren Township is one of 13 townships in Grant County, Indiana, and was first platted by Joseph Boxell in 1837. It has a population of approximately 1,800 and covers an area of 35.5 square miles. It includes the incorporated town of Van Buren and is home to Weaver Popcorn Inc., one of the largest producers of popcorn in the world.
Township Boundaries:
- North/South: south side of CR 700 N to north side of CR 100N
- East/West: west side of CR 1200 E to east side of CR 600 E>
