Land Ordinance of 1785

Land Ordinance of 1785 6 mile square

called a township Township had 36

sections Each section was 1

square mile 1 square is 640

acres

Land Ordinance of 1785 Required the

purchase of an entire section

$1.00 per acre Cost and labor

proved overwhelming

Land Policy by 1800 Lots reduced to 320

acres Could pay in 4

installments Graduated scale

introduced .12-$1.25

Bonus to veterans

1830’s-1840’s Displaced farmers

looked west Preemption was

accepted-individuals right to settle land first and pay later(credit)

Opposed by N-S, why?

Homestead Act 18623 Step Process

File Application Live on and

Improve the land

After 5 years, file for deed

Homestead Act 1862

Qualifications for a Homestead Head of the family

Citizen 21 years of age

Had not fought against the Union

Homestead Act 1862 The Government sold 10x

acreage than was Homesteaded. Why did

people buy land when the government was giving it

away?

Problems with a Homestead:

Land was already being used by Native Americans, ranchers and trappers.

Had to live on it for 5 years Had to farm the land and build a

home Some areas were infertile, no trees,

little water Poor location

Appeal of purchased land: Access to the railroads Closer to towns Usually better soil for farming Protected by the government Higher resale value Immediate ownership

Was Homestead Act deceitful? Republicans wanted votes

Deal not as sweet as it appeared

They knew it would conflict with Native Americans, ranchers and trappers.

Would you buy a home in a run down neighborhood for $1.00?

Would you buy a home in a run down neighborhood for $1.00?

Cost to fix it up Rent or resale value

Safety Access to resources

School system