What legislation passed in 1862 encouraged families to settle in the West?

The Homestead Act, enacted in 1862, was significant in encouraging families to settle in the West by offering them the opportunity to claim land at little to no cost. Specifically, the legislation allowed individuals to claim 160 acres of public land, which they could own outright after living on and cultivating it for five years. This policy was aimed at promoting westward expansion and the development of agriculture in the newly acquired territories following the Civil War.

The Homestead Act played a crucial role in shaping the American frontier, as it provided an incentive for settlers, including immigrants and those seeking new beginnings, to move westward. This piece of legislation not only facilitated the growth of farms and communities but also contributed to the broader narrative of Manifest Destiny — the belief that Americans were destined to expand across the continent.

While the Land Act also dealt with land distribution, it was not as expansive and did not have the same direct impact on encouraging settlement as the Homestead Act. The Pacific Railway Act focused on building transcontinental railroads, and the Settlement Act does not refer to any significant historical legislation relevant to this context. Thus, the Homestead Act stands out as the key legislative measure promoting westward settlement during that period.