Information on the Homestead Act
Information on the Homestead Act encompasses not only the legislation but the historical environment that contributed to the development of the United States. The Homestead Act opened up lands in the United States for individual development that set the groundwork for the United State's agricultural growth. The great prairies were converted to agricultural use.
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Features
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Public land for ownership was provided in western U.S. territories for people who intended to become U.S. citizens (those who had not fought against the U.S.) or people who were already citizens. One hundred sixty acres were provided for every homestead. Time spent in military service during the Civil War could be deducted from the residency times.
Application Procedure
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To obtain a homestead an application had to be completed. Improvements had to be made to the land by the homesteader such as putting up a building and growing crops while living on the property for five years. At the end of the five years, proof of compliance was given.
Another option for obtaining a homestead was the direct purchase of the land after living there for six months at the rate of $1.25 per acre.
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Detractors
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Not all of the Homestead Act participants' homesteading went well. Some of them had to move due to being placed on Native American territory. Also, establishing a homestead was not always a successful venture due to the climate and ecostructure.
Time Frame
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The Homestead Act was passed by Congress and signed by President Lincoln in 1862. It was ended with another act in 1976, but it still remained active in Alaska until 1986.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Homestead image by BHP from Fotolia.com
