In the northern half of Alabama, which survey's origin was established by the Meridian and Base Line?

The correct answer is Huntsville because it serves as a reference point for land surveying within the northern half of Alabama, specifically utilizing the Huntsville Meridian and Base Line as a foundation. The Huntsville Meridian, established in the early 19th century, provides a base point for the section and township system of land surveying in this region. This system enables surveyors to accurately describe land locations in relation to the established meridian and base line, facilitating proper land ownership and development.

While other cities like Montgomery, St. Stephens, and Birmingham play significant roles in Alabama's geography and land transactions, they do not hold the same surveying significance as Huntsville in relation to the Meridian and Base Line. Montgomery is the state's capital but is based on a different surveying system. St. Stephens, while historically important, does not serve as a surveying origin in this context. Birmingham, known as a major industrial city, also does not pertain to the established survey origins in the northern part of the state. Thus, Huntsville’s designation as a surveying origin is central to understanding land descriptions and boundaries in northern Alabama.