Write Your Homestead Story

Step 1: Acquire your Homestead Case File (aka Land Entry Records)

Learn more here: Requesting Homestead Records - Homestead National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Step 2: Write Your Story

Each story will be proofed and formatted by NPS staff for the website. There may be edits and format changes that happen after submission – the story contributor will be sent and asked to review their story before it goes online to approve edits.

EXAMPLE NPS PAGES:
Peter Hunt (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
George Paysinger - Louisiana Homesteader (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Step 3: Fill out the Quick Facts (fill out what you can)

Significance: (State where homestead located) Homesteader
Place of Birth:
Date of Birth:
Place of Death:
Date of Death:
Burial Place:

These questions will help you to tell your story: Consider writing from 500 to 1,000 words and if you know more information to add about your homesteading family and would like to share, you may exceed 1,000 words.

What is your ancestor’s name?

Where was he/she born?

Was he/she or the parents enslaved?

When did he/she apply for the land? What is the application number?

When did your ancestor settle on the land? The date should be in the land entry papers.

Describe the land improvements (will be in homestead case file on claimant proof of testimony and witness documents) – for example - acres cleared, house, outhouse, corn crib, furniture, and the value of the improvement(s).

Add any unique information you know about your ancestor?
For example: what was his/her occupation?
Did he/she live in a predominantly African American Community?
Were his/her witnesses also homesteaders?
How do you know this?
Does your family still own the land?
Did your ancestor donate land for a church or school?

Please share what’s important to you and your family knowing this homestead history.

How many individuals lived with him/her on the homestead? Did he/she name them or do you know their names?

Could he/she read and write?

Did he/she use a signature or an X to sign her/his name?

Who were the witnesses? Any unique statements made about the settler from the witnesses?

When did he/she obtain the land patent? What is the land patent number? List the number of acres acquired

Add whatever you would like to conclude your story.

Any family information you would like to share from oral history or your research?

Contributor: Add your name
Brief Bio: Who are you and what is your relationship to this Homesteader?
Bio picture: Include your picture if you’d like it to be added to your contributed webpage.