What is the purpose of homesteads?
purpose of homesteads
A homestead is a piece of land, generally used for subsistence farming, which a family claims as its own. It may be in the form of a single or multistory house, or it may be in the form of a barn or smokehouse. In either case, it provides a means of income for the homesteaders, as well as food, water and other essential necessities.
The first federally regulated homestead laws began in 1862. The Homestead Act provided a mechanism for distributing millions of acres of public and unappropriated land in the western United States. While initially viewed as a way to promote economic development, the Act also sparked a number of social and cultural changes in the West.
By the end of the nineteenth century, hundreds of thousands of new immigrants arrived in the West in search of cheap land. Many were former slaves from the South, but others were settlers from surrounding territories. Most of these homesteaders were European immigrants. As a result, they brought with them a diverse mix of ethnicities, religions, cultures, and languages. They were required to abide by certain restrictions and make improvements to their property.
What is the purpose of homesteads?
One of the most important pieces of legislation in the American West history is the Homestead Act of 1862. This act granted 160 acres of public land to eligible claimants. Claimants had to establish a residence, build a dwelling, and work the land for five years. After that, they could sell a portion of the harvest to market.
To qualify, applicants had to be at least 21 years of age. In addition, they had to be the head of the family. Applicants were required to pay a small filing fee. If they were married, they could double their 320-acre claim.
For their efforts, claimants were awarded patents for the land. These were then sold to other interested parties, and the sale proceeds had to be paid to the owner of the homestead. Some homesteaders worked as bounty hunters, packers, and road construction crews. Others worked as mill hands or timber cruisers. Depending on their location, they might also use windmills to supply running water.
Homesteaders often relied on their neighbors for help. These neighbors would provide food and a social setting for the community. However, some homesteaders found it difficult to adjust to the lifestyles of their immigrant neighbors.
Many homesteaders built larger houses and fenced their gardens. Other improvements included windmills and stoves for cooking and heating. Moreover, their efforts encouraged the development of communities. There were also political parties, as homesteaders joined various levels of civil government.
Homesteads were an important component of Western civilization. As a result, they deserve greater attention in classrooms. Through the lives of homesteaders, we can gain important details of federal policy and the cultural attitudes towards settlement.
The 1860 Homestead Act faced strong opposition from Northern and Southern legislators. They feared that cheap land would lure workers to the West. During the late 1860s, major government surveys of the West began. Military and railroad companies also sought space in the Washington Territory.