jan 1, 1862 - Homestead Act

Description:

This Act distributed 160 acre lots to western settlers provided that they farm and develop their land. This Act further encouraged the migration of white settlers west of the Mississippi River during the Civil War. Even though Indians supported the Union military during the Civil War, their loyalty was not rewarded by the U.S. as Indians lost more of their land as a result of this Act and the increased migration of white settlers west.

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