Homestead National Monument of America
The natural areas at Homestead National Monument of America are both an integral part of homesteading history and a valuable tool for scientific research. Located in southeast Nebraska amidst rolling hills of agricultural fields, the park provides a visual link to the landscape that early settlers would have encountered. The presence of tallgrass prairie, woodland, and creek presents an opportunity to learn about a diverse range of habitats and species.
This mix of resources is likely the reason Daniel Freeman chose this site to homestead. The thick, fertile soils of the tallgrass prairie were ideal for farming. Water was provided by Cub Creek, which runs through the property, and the timber along the creek provided fuel and building material. The natural environment shaped homesteading history and continues to be an important educational resource at Homestead National Monument of America.
The Homestead Act of 1862 brought about significant and enduring changes to the United States. By giving government land to individuals in 30 states this law allowed nearly any man or woman a chance to live the American Dream. Over 1.6 million people rose to the challenge and claimed 270 million acres. Immerse yourself in this story. Discover the enduring impacts upon the land and all its people.
History and Culture
It is the purpose of our government "to elevate the condition of men, to lift artificial burdens from all shoulders and to give everyone an unfettered start and a fair chance in the race of life." President Abraham Lincoln, July 4, 1861.
The Homestead Act of 1862 was one of the most significant and enduring events in the westward expansion of the United States. By granting 160 acres of free land to claimants, it allowed nearly any man or woman a "fair chance." Homestead National Monument of America, located in Southeast Nebraska, commemorates this Act and the far-reaching effects it had upon the landscape and people.
Collections
The Congressional legislation that created Homestead National Monument of America required the monument "to retain for posterity a proper memorial emblematical of the hardships and the pioneer life through which the early settlers passed in the settlement, cultivation and civilization of the Great West." The Secretary of the Interior was directed to "erect suitable buildings to be used as a museum in which shall be preserved literature applying to such settlement and agricultural implements used in bringing the western plains to present high state of civilization [and to] use other objects [which] may perpetuate the history of the country mainly developed by the homestead law." As a result Homestead National Monument has an extensive collection of various documents and household and agricultural items. Some of these are on display in the Heritage Center, many others are stored in the Museum Collections storage room.
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