The Homestead Act of 1862

An Activity for Fifth Grade Social Studies

This activity will help you understand the importance of the Homestead Act. You will compare and contrast the lives of women today with the lives of homesteading women. You will also determine the impact on a region by the development resulting from the Homestead Act. Please complete each activity in the order they are listed. Be sure to make a record of your answers.

Read the information at the following links to help you understand the Homestead Act. Record the answers to the questions listed after the links.

http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/67hornbek/67setting.htm

http://www.beatricene.com/homestead/history.html

http://www.ultranet.com/~deeds/homestead.htm

1) When was the Homestead Act passed?

2) How many acres could a person receive?

3) List six requirements a homesteader must meet before he was allowed to claim the land.

4) Why was it necessary to pass the Homestead Act?

Read The Story of Adeline Hornbek. Answer the questions listed at the end. With your group, develop a timeline of her life.

Think of the everyday life of Adeline Hornbek. Compare and contrast her life with the lives of women in your family. You may use a Venn diagram or other graphic to organize your information.

Now that you have a good understanding of the Homestead Act, work with your group to complete the following activity.

You live in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1870. You want to take advantage of the Homestead Act and claim land as your own.

1) Where will you go?

2) Who is going with you?

3) What supplies do you need to take?

4) What is your plan for setting up your homestead?

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