What did the Homestead Act of 1862 offer to American citizens?

The Homestead Act of 1862 offered American citizens the opportunity to acquire land for settlement and farming. Specifically, the act provided that any adult citizen or intended citizen could claim a tract of 160 acres of surveyed government land. After living on and improving the land for five years, the individual could receive full ownership of the property for a small fee. This legislation was designed to encourage westward expansion, promote agriculture, and provide land to individuals who may not have had the means to purchase property outright.

The impact of the Homestead Act was significant in shaping the American landscape and facilitating the settlement of the West, as it allowed thousands of families an opportunity to create farms and establish communities in new territories.