Homesteaders: living and farming on the Plains

Homestead Act

Introduced in 1862 by Lincoln, it promised Americans 160 acres of free land in the West in exchange for starting to farm.

Challenges of Living on the Plains

Difficulties included lack of building materials, arid climate, extreme weather, and lack of access to clean water.

Demographics of Homesteaders

Half a million homesteaders moved to the plains in the 1870s, with many being women and black Americans who were able to own land.

Failure Rate of Homesteaders

Around half of homesteaders were unable to overcome challenges and left for cities or back East.

Water Shortages Problem

The plains climate included extreme conditions like freezing temperatures in winter and droughts in summer, leading to severe water shortages.

Water Shortages Solution

Homesteaders drilled deep holes and built wind pumps to access hidden water supplies, and practiced dry farming.

Keeping Warm Problem

In winter, keeping warm was challenging due to freezing temperatures and a lack of firewood.

Keeping Warm Solution

Homesteaders burned buffalo and cow droppings, and used sod walls as insulators to stay warm.

Health Issues Problem

Cleanliness was a major issue due to houses having earth floors, leading to common diseases like cholera and typhoid.

Health Issues Solution

Homesteaders faced significant health challenges and many experienced hunger and hardship during extreme weather.

Building Materials Problem

Homesteaders could not afford to import bricks and wood as there were no trees available.

Building Materials Solution

They used sod to build houses and created bricks from prairie grass roots, which was strong and durable.

Natural Hazards

Challenges such as severe weather, pests, and lack of resources were common on the Plains, significantly affecting living conditions.

Isolation of Homesteaders

Homesteaders often faced permanent separation from family and community, with limited access to healthcare and support.

Plowing the Land

Steel was required for farming equipment to work the land, with railroads bringing in necessary tools.

Growing Crops Challenges

Grass species on the plains were unfamiliar; only steel tools could properly farm and transform the land.

Growing Crops Solution

'Turkey red' wheat from Russia, which could withstand frost, was grown to take advantage of moisture in the soil.

Railroad Influence

The railroad companies promoted the West as a great opportunity, creating demand for their services.

Reasons for Moving

Factors included high land costs in the East, and dreams of land ownership for independence.

14th Amendment Impact

The Act allowed any American citizen, including women and former slaves, to apply for land.