Changes

The Homestead Act was passed by Congress on May 20, 1862 and took effect January 1, 1863.  To be eligible for the Homestead Act, individuals had to meet the following criteria:

The Homestead Act was passed by Congress on May 20, 1862 and took effect January 1, 1863.  To be eligible for the Homestead Act, individuals had to meet the following criteria:

• 21 years of age or older or head of a family

* 21 years of age or older or head of a family

• U.S. citizen or have filed a declaration of intention to become a citizen

* U.S. citizen or have filed a declaration of intention to become a citizen

• Never borne arms against the U.S. government

* Never borne arms against the U.S. government

• Never given aid or comfort to enemies of the U.S. government

* Never given aid or comfort to enemies of the U.S. government

An interested individual would submit an affidavit declaring he had met the above criteria along with his application and $10.  The individual could request up to 160 acres land with a minimum price of $1.25 per acre or up to 80 acres of land with a minimum price of $2.50 per acre.

An interested individual would submit an affidavit declaring he had met the above criteria along with his application and $10.  The individual could request up to 160 acres land with a minimum price of $1.25 per acre or up to 80 acres of land with a minimum price of $2.50 per acre.