Why are some state lands such a checkerboard?

[MuleyFever]

When looking at public lands I have noticed that some state/public lands are literally a checkerboard on the map. Why is this? How did the lands get distributed this way? It makes it so difficult to use these public lands that I, and I bet many others, just look for other areas.

 

[freebird134]

I forget the details, but it had a lot to do with railway access.

I didn't read it, but this might have some more explanation:
Checkerboarding (land) - Wikipedia

 

[pwsINC]

Railroads where promised every other square section(denominations occasionally changed) to come a build railroads.

Railroads were stock rich and money poor and would offer sitting government members great discount stock rates. Then once railroad received Grant and was asset rich stock would hold high value.

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[MuleyFever]

Good info. Thanks.