According to the specifications of Document #22, known as the Northwest Ordinance, territories were required to reach a certain population before being considered eligible for statehood. The threshold for this requirement is explicitly stated in the ordinance. Among the given options:
- Option a: 1,000 free inhabitants
- Option b: 60,000 free inhabitants
- Option c: 500,000 free inhabitants
- Option d: 5,000 free inhabitants
Historical documents, such as the Northwest Ordinance, provide clear guidelines on population requirements. In this case, the specific number of free inhabitants required for a territory to be eligible for statehood is 60,000.
Thus, the correct answer is:
O b. 60,000
