Legal Definitions - Northwest Territory

The Northwest Territory was the first possession of the United States. It was a geographical region located south of the Great Lakes, north of the Ohio River, and east of the Mississippi River. The Continental Congress designated this area in the late 1700s. Today, it includes the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and the eastern part of Minnesota.

For example, when the United States gained its independence from Great Britain, it needed to establish its own borders. The Northwest Territory was one of the first areas to be designated as part of the new country. This region was important because it was rich in natural resources and had a strategic location for trade and transportation.

Another example is the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, which established a system for governing the Northwest Territory. This law provided for the creation of new states in the region and guaranteed certain rights to the people living there. It also prohibited slavery in the territory, which was an important step towards ending slavery in the United States.

These examples illustrate how the Northwest Territory played an important role in the early history of the United States. It was a key part of the country's expansion and development, and helped to shape the nation we know today.