A more thorough explanation:

Definition: A townsite is a specific area of land that has been officially designated by the government as the location for a town to be built.

Example: In the late 1800s, many townsites were established in the western United States as settlers moved westward. The government would survey the land and set aside a portion of it for a townsite. This area would then be divided into lots and sold to individuals or businesses who wanted to build homes or establish a presence in the new town.

Explanation: The example illustrates how a townsite is a designated area of land that is set aside for the purpose of building a town. The government would carefully select the location and survey the land to ensure that it was suitable for development. Once the townsite was established, individuals and businesses could purchase lots and begin building homes and establishments, which would eventually grow into a thriving community.