I have a book by Andro Linklater, "Measuring America", published in 2002.  Quite interesting reading...the beginnings of land measurement in the US.  George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, et al, Indians are all in the book which delves into their part in developing a land survey system.  There's some photos of old measurement tools & some old maps - even a metes & bounds survey of 887 acres in GA back in 1785 surrounded by "unknown land" and marked by various trees..  It's funny - has drawings of guys w/a chain measuring, & one of a guy aiming a rifle at a deer!  You might like this book if you are into the history of land surveying.  I lent it to 2 real estate attys. who said they couldn't put it down.  Anyway, FYI!