The Land Ordinance of 1785 was a law passed by the United States Congress to organize the sale of land in the western territories. It aimed to raise money for the federal government and establish a systematic way to survey and divide the land into townships, each measuring six miles square. This ordinance helped promote settlement and development in the newly acquired lands after the American Revolution. The ordinance also set aside a portion of the land for public education, ensuring that funds from land sales would support schools. This was an important step in promoting literacy and education in the growing nation, reflecting the values of the time.