The Homestead Act of 1862 pulled settlers to the plains by offering 160 free acres of federal land to any American, including freed slaves.
Because they were both black and female. They were bigger targets to the bigots since they were a two in one. Also back then it was REALLY hard for a woman to get a job. No income + Huge targets to bigots = Not gonna last long in a depression. At least the black men could get a job more easily and were a little less of a target for the bigots.
Pretty sure it's surface lakes. There are a lot of lakes and dam authorities. Not 100% sure but only reasonable answer.
