Homestead Act of 1862

The Homestead Act of 1862 was a U.S. law that encouraged westward expansion by allowing citizens to claim ownership of 160 acres of public land. To gain title, settlers had to live on the land, build a residence, and farm it for five years. This act made land accessible to many Americans, promoting development and settlement in the western frontier. It played a significant role in shaping the growth of the United States by providing opportunities for families to establish homes and livelihoods on government-owned land.