Beginning in 1862, the words “free land” became a siren call for landless U.S. citizens, freed slaves and hundreds of thousands of European immigrants after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act. The act, which offered 160 acres of land to any qualified homesteader who paid a modest filing fee, built a home, planted at least 10 acres of crops and remained on his or her claim for at least five years, has been called the most important act ever passed for the benefit of the American people. It ultimately helped create the most productive agricultural economy the world has ever seen. Come visit this time of American history at South Dakotas Prairie Homestead sod dug out home and farmstead :)
Posted on: Tue, 05 Aug 2014 02:45:01 +0000
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