• Homestead Heritage Center & Prairie

    Homestead

    National Monument of America Nebraska

FREE LAND was the cry!!

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.

Read More

Features

  • The Reconciliation Quilt

    Renowned Reconciliation Quilt on Display

    This 1867 quilt features vibrant scenes of hope as the U.S. reunited after the Civil War. See it on display May 4 - June 16 in the Heritage Center.

    Read More
  • Monumental Fiddling Championship

    Monumental Fiddling Championship

    Love the fiddle or just love great music? Come out May 25 for a fiddle workshop, championship contest, and concert by the Sandy Creek Bluegrass Band!

    Read More
  • Social Media

    Social Media at Homestead

    Stay up-to-date on what's happening at Homestead by checking us out on Facebook and Twitter!

    Read More
  • 2013 Year of the Homesteader

    2013 Year of the Homesteader

    This year we will focus on the lives and experiences of the homesteaders.

    Read More
  • America's Invitation to the World

    America’s Invitation to the World

    Read Historian Blake Bell’s research featured in the Washington Post. For more information contact Blake Bell at blake_bell@nps.gov or 402-223-1715.

    Read More
  • Homestead Land Records Project

    Land Records Project

    Homestead, fold3.com, FamilySearch, & the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have partnered in an effort to digitize all Homestead Land Entry Case Files.

    Read More
  • Learn at Homestead

    Educational Opportunities at Homestead

    Homestead strives to provide high quality curriculum-based educational material for all grade levels, both on site & through distance learning.

    Read More
  • Homestead Descendant

    Are you a Homesteader or Homestead descendant?

    The monument wants to locate and record the experiences of homesteaders and their descendants. If you want to share your story, contact us.

    Read More
  • WEB RANGER National Park Service

    Homestead WebRanger Activities

    Hey Kids! Try out Homestead's online games and activities. Take the challenge and earn your Homestead WebRanger certificate!

    Read More

Did You Know?

Homesteaders in front of sod house

The Homestead Act of 1862, which gave away 160 acre claims, was repealed in the lower 48 states in 1976. In Alaska, claims could be filed up to 1986!
  -- Homestead National Monument of America More...