U.S. Homestead Act

The U.S. Homestead Act of 1862 was a law that encouraged westward expansion by granting 160 acres of public land to individuals willing to settle, develop, and farm the land for at least five years. It aimed to promote settlement, provide opportunities for farmers, and expand American territory. To claim the land, settlers had to file an application, pay a small fee, and abide by residency and improvement requirements. The act significantly contributed to the settlement of western states, although it also led to displacement of Native American tribes and complex issues related to landownership.