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may 20, 1862 - Homestead Act

Description:

Signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln on May 20, 1862. Homestead Act encouraged Western migration by providing settlers 160 acres of public land. In exchange, homesteaders paid a small filing fee and were required to complete five years of continuous residence before receiving ownership of the land.

Added to timeline:

17 Oct 2017
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Date:

may 20, 1862
Now
~ 163 years ago