The homestead act allowed settlers from the west settle on land, only paying a small fee. but they must stay on their land for 5 years before getting the land. They were allowed to leave the land but must be present when the inspector comes to see how they are doing.
The first Homestead Act required the settler to pay twenty-five cents an acre for his land and was passed by Congress in 1860; however, the bill was vetoed by President Buchanan. It was not until May 20, 1862, that the free Homestead Act was finally passed and signed by then President Abraham Lincoln. The law took effect on January 1, 1863.
