Defining Moment
1862
1862
Expansion and Reform Era
Defining Moment
What Americans Were Trying To Do
Promote settlement, raise revenue, reward service, and expand the economy.
What Happened
Federal land policy used sales, grants, and eventually homestead claims to shape settlement and development. The Homestead Act offered land to settlers who met residency and improvement requirements.
How Public Finance Made It Possible
Public land policy converted federal territory into farms, towns, schools, rail corridors, and private wealth.
What This EnabledMany settlers gained access to landwhile statesinstitutions benefited from land grants
How Americans BenefitedMany settlers gained access to landwhile statesinstitutions benefited from land grants
Anchor Events
Top 100 Building Events
