HOmestead Acts
HOmestead Acts
A desire to expand west was a hard sell. The distances were far and there was fear of going too far outside of certain boundaries. Indians, animals, severe winters, crushingly hot summers offered more than enough reason to remain where one was.
The passage of the Homestead Acts aimed to lure people into western territories. In exchange for 160 acres of land that had to be improved upon within seven year's time.
Expansion created prosperity for some and headaches for others. Generally, groups of folks would ban together believing there was a better chance of success for them than if they ventured out along. Nonetheless, it still happened from time to time these wagon trains making the journey west were sometimes never heard from again.
One of the most well known tragedies happened when a group followed a guide who said he could take them over a short cut. Their hope was to make it to San Francisco. Winter was approaching and making the journey required passage though a massive mountain range. You can read about the Donner Party and their plight through accessing the link below.
