Homestead Act settlements on the Great Plains (1862–1934)

1. Homestead Act signed during the Civil War

   May 20, 1862Labels: Abraham Lincoln, Homestead Act

   • National Archives
   • NARA Features

2. Homestead Act goes into effect; first claims filed

   Jan 1, 1863Labels: Daniel Freeman, Federal land

   • National Archives
   • NPS Place

3. Timber Culture Act adds tree-planting land claims

   Mar 3, 1873Labels: Timber Culture, tree planting

   • MNopedia
   • Wikipedia

4. Dawes Act reshapes reservations and opens “surplus” land

   Feb 8, 1887Labels: Dawes Act, Native reservations

   • National Archives
   • Britannica

5. Oklahoma Land Run accelerates homestead-era settlement

   Apr 22, 1889Labels: Oklahoma Land, land opening

   • OHS
   • History com

6. Timber Culture Act repealed amid abuse concerns

   Mar 3, 1891Labels: Timber Culture, Congress repeal

   • MNopedia
   • Wikipedia

7. Kinkaid Act expands homesteads in Nebraska Sandhills

   Apr 28, 1904Labels: Kinkaid Act, Nebraska Sandhills

   • Wikipedia
   • Sandhills

8. Enlarged Homestead Act increases claims to 320 acres

   Feb 19, 1909Labels: Enlarged Homestead, dryland farming

   • NPS FAQ
   • National Archives

9. Peak filing years reflect a late homesteading surge

   Jan 1, 1913Labels: Peak filing, National Park

   • NPS FAQ

10. Stock-Raising Homestead Act creates 640-acre ranch claims

    Dec 29, 1916Labels: Stock-Raising Homestead, ranching

    • Wikipedia
    • Earthworks

11. Taylor Grazing Act withdraws much remaining open range

    Jun 28, 1934Labels: Taylor Grazing, grazing districts

    • Wikipedia
    • NPS FAQ

12. Homestead National Monument established as a legacy site

    Mar 19, 1936Labels: Homestead National, Daniel Freeman

    • NPS FAQ
    • National Archives