may 20, 1862 - Homestead Act of 1862 was signed on May 20,1862 (social)
Description:
Description: Opened up settlement in the west and allowed any any American, including free slaves, to claim up to 160 acres of federal land. Settlers who were willing to pay $1.25 an acre would be able to own the land within six months of residing there.
Immediate impact: Increased American settlement westward
Long term impact: The final purchase was made in 1988 as a result of purchasing the southeastern part of Alaska.
Key people: President James Buchanan and Congress
Role of each person: President Buchanan vetoed a similar act in 1858 but Congress finally passed the act in 1862.
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