Desert Land Act

The Desert Land Act of 1877 was a U.S. law that aimed to encourage irrigation and settlement in arid areas. It allowed individuals to purchase 640 acres of desert land at a low price, with the requirement to irrigate and develop the land within three years. If they succeeded, they could buy the land outright; if not, they risked losing their investment. The act sought to promote agriculture in dry regions by providing land incentives, but it often led to speculation and was limited in effectiveness due to environmental and practical challenges.