Newlands Reclamation Act

The Newlands Reclamation Act, passed in 1902, aimed to improve agricultural productivity in the western United States by promoting irrigation and the management of water resources. It authorized the federal government to create and fund irrigation projects, turning arid land into productive farmland. The Act marked a significant shift toward federal involvement in land and water management, which helped expand agricultural development in the West, supporting settlements and farming in areas that previously lacked sufficient water for crops. This was crucial for the economic growth and development of the American West in the early 20th century.