Why People Headed West
The Homestead Act was passed during the Civil War in 1862. Upon its signing, President Lincoln insisted that it would be a tool to ensure that the western lands would give every man the opportunity to improve their condition. Under the act, any adult citizen or potential citizen who had not fought for the Confederacy could apply for up to 160 acres of land. Applicants had to live on their awarded land for at least five years as well as cultivate and make agricultural improvements to it. After satisfying those requirements and paying a registration fee, applicants would receive the title to the land. In some cases, the title was awarded after the applicant had lived on the land for only six months, made minimal improvements, and paid a government fee of $1.25 per acre. Montana, North Dakota, Colorado, and Nebraska had the largest number of successful land claims.
Between 1850 and 1872, the government also made large amounts of land available to states and railroad companies to further railroad construction. With the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, which connected the eastern states with the Pacific Coast in 1869, potential homesteaders could feel less isolated on the plains, have greater access to manufactured goods, and transport their crops to more potential customers. By 1900, over 215,000 miles of track had been laid.
1872 advertisement created by the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad Co. Click to enlarge.
A drawing shows a couple overlooking plowed land on the right and a pasture with grazing cattle on the left. Beyond the pasture land are rolling hills of unsettled land with the message, “View on the Big Blue, between Camden and Crete, representing Valley and Rolling Prairie Land in Nebraska.” Large print on the poster reads, “Millions of Acres, Iowa and Nebraska Lands for sale on 10 years credit by the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad Company. At 6 percent interest and low prices. Only one-seventh of principal due annually, beginning four years after purchase. Twenty percent deducted from 10 years price for cash. Land exploring tickets sold and cost allowed in first interest paid on land bought in 30 days from date of ticket. Thus our land buyers get a free pass in the state where the land bought is located. These terms are better at 5 dollars, than to preempt United States land at two dollars and 50 cents per acre. Extraordinary inducements on freight and passage are afforded to purchasers and their families. Address George S. Harris, Land Commissioner, or T. H. Leavitt, Assistant Land Commissioner, Burlington, Iowa.”
A decorative border also includes text. It reads, “Products will pay for land and improvement! A sectional map, showing exact location of our Iowa lands is sold for 30 cents, and of Nebraska lands for 30 cents. Free rooms for buyers to board themselves are provided at Burlington and Lincoln. Circulars are supplied gratis for distribution in organizing colonies and to induce individuals to emigrate West."
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