The Homestead Act was legislation signed by the American President Abraham Lincoln in order to accelerate the western territory settlement (the Great Plains) lying west of the Mississippi River and east of the Rocky Mountains in the U.S. and Canada.
One of its provision enabled adult men citizens, including black men, who had never borne arms against the U.S. government, to acquire 160 acres of the Great Plains, with the condition to pay a minimal filing fee and to improve the plot while living there for 5 years at least. After those 5 years of residence, the person could be entitled to the property.