Norwegian Settlers in North Dakota

To allow individuals to acquire ownership of government land in the United States.

Approximately 10% of the total land area of the United States was given away free to homesteaders.

Most homesteads were located west of the Mississippi River.

A law that opened up millions of acres of land in the United States for ownership by individuals.

The Homestead Acts were based on the "Free Soil" policy, which aimed to provide land to settlers without the need for slavery.

Any adult who had never taken up arms against the federal government could apply for land ownership under the Homestead Act of 1862.

The total area of land given away free to homesteaders includes the land in the West and extends beyond that.

The geographical location of most homesteads was west of the Mississippi River.