The Homestead Act was a U.S. Federal law passed in 1862. It resulted in a momentous shift in population from eastern states to the Missouri region.
The act stated that citizens could claim 160 acres of appraised government land. In order to be granted the 160 acres of free land, one had to be the head of their household, a citizen, 21 years old, and not have taken arms against the confederation.
Those serving in the military were allowed to waive these restrictions.
Provisions were liberal enough to encourage not only migration but also immigration from European countries to claim this land.
The citizens were required to develop the plot of land they were given with a dwelling and they were also required to grow crops on the land.
It was indicated that after five years, if the original citizen was still on the land, it was his property with no strings attached.
