This program gives a focused look on doing genealogical research with land records of those who settled in the Unite d States under the Homestead Act. The Homestead Act of 1862 allowed indivi duals to claim 160 acres of American public domain land for free\, as long as they lived and farmed on it for five years. From 1863 through 1986\, m illions of individuals from across the world staked their claim to &ldquo\ ;the American Dream&rdquo\; under this law.
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Because of the r
equirements to file claims\, extensive records including vital records\, i
mmigration records\, military service records\, and legal records were kep
t for every single one of these homestead claims. This session will teach
attendees about the role the Homestead Act played in immigration\, provide
information about ethnic and religious homesteading settlement communitie
s\, and how to find and utilize Homestead Land Entry Case files and the Ge
neral Land Office Records. The program will explore records and sources to
contextualize group settlement and promote cluster research of rural comm
unities\, including the General Land Office Records\, Homestead Land Entry
Case Files\, and Tract Books.
This program teaches how to r
esearch using land records tied to the Homestead Act. The Homestead Act of
1862 allowed individuals to claim 160 acres of American public domain lan
d for free. From 1863 through 1986\, millions of individuals from across t
he world staked their claim to &ldquo\;the American Dream&rdquo\; under th
is law.
Jonathan Fairchild the Historian at Homestead Nation
al Historical Park\, located in Beatrice\, Nebraska. His responsibilities
as Historian for the National Park Service include providing research and
reference assistance\, preserving and protecting park cultural resources\,
and interpreting the significance of the Homestead Act on United States h
istory.