Land Ordinance of 1785

1. 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

2. Land Ordinance of 1785 • Required the purchase of an entire section • $1.00 per acre • Cost and labor proved overwhelming

3. Land Policy by 1800 • Lots reduced to 320 acres • Could pay in 4 installments • Graduated scale introduced • .12-$1.25 Bonus to veterans

4. 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?

5. Homestead Act 1862 3 Step Process • File Application • Live on and Improve the land • After 5 years, file for deed

6. Homestead Act 1862 Qualifications for a Homestead • Head of the family • Citizen • 21 years of age • Had not fought against the Union

7. Homestead Act 1862 The Government sold 10x acreage than was Homesteaded. Why did people buy land when the government was giving it away?

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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.

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

12. 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