jan 1, 1862 - Homestead Act

Description:

- Adults could select 160 acres of surveyed, unclaimed land. This was land the government had held onto in its dealing with the railroads (checkerboard pattern).
- The land was free, provided it was occupied for 5 years and "improved."
- After 5 years, the land was then owned by the homesteaders after paying a $10 fee.
Impact: about 400,000 families became landowners

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