1862 Homestead Act

The Homestead Act of 1862 was a U.S. law that aimed to encourage westward expansion by granting 160 acres of public land to any adult citizen or intended citizen for a small fee. To claim the land, individuals had to build a dwelling and cultivate crops for five years. This act promoted settlement in the American West, helping to populate the region, support farming, and boost the economy. It played a significant role in shaping the American landscape and fulfilling the idea of Manifest Destiny, the belief that Americans were destined to expand across the continent.