United States Continental Congress, Thomson, Charles, "An ordinance for the government of the territory of the United States, North-west of the river Ohio," 13 July 1787
Description
This ordinance was passed July 13, 1787, and it specified the steps necessary for the territories north and west of the Ohio River to become states on the same footing as the original 13. It also outlined a Bill of Rights to be guaranteed in the territories. The plan put forth in this document has been the guiding document for states to enter the Union since it was approved.
Full Transcript of NW Land Ordinance for Ohio River Territories
Transcribed Excerpts from NW Land Ordinance for Ohio River Territories
Source-Dependent Questions
- Based on the excerpts above, outline the steps a territory needs to take in order to become a state.
- What do you think are the three most important rights guaranteed to inhabitants of the NW territory?
- Using your knowledge of U.S. history in the late 1700s, why do you think Article Six is significant?
Citation Information
United States Continental Congress, Thomson, Charles, "An ordinance for the government of the territory of the United States, North-west of the river Ohio," 13 July 1787. Courtesy of Library on Congress