jan 4, 1862 - Homestead Act
Description:
The Homestead Act, enacted during the Civil War in 1862, provided that any adult citizen, or intended citizen, who had never borne arms against the U.S. government could claim 160 acres of surveyed government land. Claimants were required to “improve” the plot by building a dwelling and cultivating the land.Created a legal framework for colonization. It illustrated that the national government supported colonisation of the West.
2 million people.
Added to timeline:
Date:
jan 4, 1862
Now
~ 164 years ago