The Popcorn Stand: Homestead Act cleared the way for west

It’s arguably the most important — and not that well-known — act ever done when it came to the development of the Western United States and it’s arguably one of the most important acts when it came to the development of the entire country. And it was done with a stroke of the pen.

On this date, May 20, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed into effect the Homestead Act, which essentially provided public land for free to settlers in the western part of the country. (Settlers did pay a nominal filing fee).

Through the Homestead Act and follow-up legislation related to the Homestead Act, 270 million acres of public land were essentially given away to many of those who heeded the advice of Horace Greeley to “go west young man.”

Land through the Homestead Act was obviously mostly used for farming and the act didn’t come without problems, leading to open range wars involving cattle ranchers in some cases.

But it could be argued the Homestead Act led to this nation, especially the western part of the country, becoming the world’s largest agricultural producer.

The Popcorn Stand is written Tuesday through Saturday by the editorial staff of the Nevada Appeal. It tackles topics of a different nature or topics that make us go “hmm.” We welcome your thoughts and suggestions at editor@nevadaappeal.com.