Apparently the land of Zarahemla was divided up in "quarters" (Mosiah 27:6). How far these quarters extended is not explained at this time. [However, see the commentary on Alma 52:10]
According to research by Diane Wirth and Steven Olsen, good evidence exists that ancient Americans divided their territorial lands into four quadrants for administrative purposes. In an effort to keep the traditions of their fathers alive, the Nahua and Maya (Mesoamerican) nations established four rulers, four governors, or four chiefs, each responsible for one quadrant of land. This makes a striking parallel to the administration in other high cultures in the Old World where the kingdom was divided into four provinces linked with the cardinal points.
In the Bible, the immediate land is divided into quarters (see, i.e., Joshua 15:5; 18:15-15; Isaiah 47:15; 56:11). Likewise, the heavens (see Jeremiah 49:36) and the earth (see Genesis 19:4) are seen in quadrants. In Egyptian texts, four beings or creatures often depicted the four cardinal points of the earth.
In Guatemala, records envisioned the world and the heavens divided into quadrants. The Mayan Lords of Totonicapan speaks of "the four parts of the world." Mesoamerican art commonly portrays four godlike creatures (bacabs and/or chacs) holding up the four corners of the earth and sky. [Diane E. Wirth and Steven L. Olsen, "Four Quarters," in Reexploring the Book of Mormon, F.A.R.M.S., pp. 145-146]
Mosiah 27:6 In all quarters of the land (Illustration): Medieval representation of the city of Jerusalem showing it divided into four quarters. [Diane E. Wirth and Steven L. Olsen, "Four Quarters," in Reexploring the Book of Mormon, F.A.R.M.S., p. 149]