I discovered a new term that relates to the surveying and layout of Texas when USGS Markers were place primarily along roadways and railroads from points all over the state.

I knew the markers were placed, but had never thought about the timeframe in which it was undertaken.

This name Spirit Leveling comes from the use of a spirit level used in surveying equipment.

Below is a report as is relates to this being done all over Texas from 1896 to 1915.

https://pubs.usgs.gov/bul/0637/report.pdf