The Homestead Act of 1862 was the key factor that allowed many families from the East to reach their dream of owning and farming a plot of land on their own.
You see, the Homestead Act was a law signed by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War that offered 160 acres of public land to any adult who was a U.S. citizen or had filed for citizenship, as long as they were willing to live on the land, improve it, and farm it for at least five years.
This was a huge opportunity for many families who were struggling to make a living in the East, where the soil was depleted and the land was expensive. By moving west and taking advantage of the Homestead Act, they could finally have a chance to own their own land and build a better life for themselves and their families.
Of course, it wasn't easy to farm and live on the land, especially for those who were not used to the harsh conditions of the western frontier. But for those who were willing to put in the hard work, the Homestead Act offered a chance at a brighter future, and many families took advantage of it.