In 1862, Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act into law. This bill enabled interested Americans to settle on up to 160 acres of federally owned land if they agreed to live there for at least five years, make improvements to it, and pay a small registration fee. Many Americans, including immigrants seeking citizenship, took advantage of this opportunity. By 1934, over 1.6 million homestead applications had been filed and over 270 million acres—10 percent of all federal lands—had passed into the hands of individuals.
Carefully analyze the advertisement and answer the questions below.
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."