The Homestead Act, enacted during the Civil War in 1862, provided that any adult citizen, or intended citizen, who had never borne arms against the U.S. government could claim 160 acres of surveyed government land. Claimants were required to “improve” the plot by building a dwelling and cultivating the land.  

 

Not for Black people.  We could not even receive 40 acres, a mule, and $150 dollars, as promised by our government.