1. Was Free Land A Good Deal?

2. Economic Mystery In 1862, the U.S. Congress passed the Homestead Act. It provided 160 acres of surveyed land free to a homesteader who lived on and developed that land for five years. Yet farmers often paid cash for other parcels of land rather than accept the homestead offer. From 1863 to 1872, the federal government sold 10 times more acres than it gave away. And farmers bought high-priced land from the railroads more often than they accepted land from the U.S. government. Why would farmers refuse land? Why would they prefer expensive land to cheap land?

3. Your Task 1. With your group, read the provided information and choose a farming site – either a homestead site or a site purchased from the railroad 2. Choose a second site in case the first site is unavailable. 3. Be prepared to share why chose those sites with the class.

4. Questions to Consider 1. Was the land chosen by your group really free? 2. How might your decision have been different if you had $2,000 in your savings instead of only $900? 3. Why did you NOT choose particular sites for farming?

5. Goals of the Homestead Act Why do you think the federal government passed the Homestead Act? Provide a fresh start for poor farmers Reduce Native American control of western land Win votes/reelection Populate western lands Unify the nation Was the Homestead Act successful?

6. Ticket out the Door Answer the following question in complete sentences and turn in to me before you leave! Imagine that it is 1880 and you are considering going west to claim a homestead. What are some factors you should consider before making your decision?