Homesteading America - video vignette series

Millions of Americans including immigrants, women, and formerly enslaved men and women would make the dream of westward expansion a reality for this country. For over a century these settlers would test their grit and endurance in the untamed wilderness and remote frontiers of modern states like Alaska, Kansas, Montana and Nebraska.

The stories of those who have Homesteaded in America are truly unlike anything else. The National Park Service invites you to take a closer look by visiting Homestead National Monument of America. But first, check out these video vignettes to help introduce and question the impacts of the Homestead Act of 1862, a law that gave away "Free Land" from 1863 until 1986.

Duration:

2 minutes, 13 seconds

Would you give up indoor plumbing for free land? Meet homesteaders that faced that question head on.

Duration:

3 minutes, 13 seconds

This video is an introduction to how families took part in the Homestead Act of 1862 to forge promising futures for generations to come.

Duration:

4 minutes, 28 seconds

Meet Ken Deardorff, America's last homesteader.

Duration:

3 minutes, 11 seconds

Every homesteading story is unique!

Duration:

2 minutes, 53 seconds

Find out what homesteading means to this cowboy.

Duration:

1 minute, 31 seconds

A person could claim a homestead if they declared their intention to become a United States citizen.

Duration:

2 minutes, 41 seconds

Connection to family involves the land.