The Homestead Act of 1862 enticed people to move west by offering free land to settlers who were willing to live on and cultivate it. Under the act, individuals and families could claim up to 160 acres of land in designated areas by filing an application, living on the land, and making improvements to it over a period of five years. This offered a fresh start for many people seeking new opportunities and a better life, as land ownership was often out of reach for many in the eastern United States. The Homestead Act also played a significant role in the settlement and development of the American West by encouraging westward migration and the establishment of new communities.
