National Homestead Historic Park

We went out of our way to visit this park today and I am glad we did. The park is dedicated to the Homestead Act of 1862, signed by Abraham Lincoln. This act gave 160 acres to anyone who could build a house on and farm the land for 5 years.

The park is at the location of the first homestead land grant. They have restored the land at the park to the tall grass prairie that existed when the settlers first arrived. Daniel Freeman was the gentleman who came and chose this 160 acres to homestead. There was water and a trading road ran through the property. There was much to recommend this location to homestead. Yet life was hard.

We also visited the Learning Center, which housed a moving display of artwork with text tying the art to the trials, tribulations and joys of homesteading.

We are probably all related at some level to one or more of these brave and enterprising homesteaders.Read more