What Is Homestead National Historical Park?
This park preserves the homestead of Daniel Freeman and interprets homesteading at large across America!
What Makes It Historical?
The Homestead Act of 1862 put up 270 million acres of land for private settlement! The only requirements were that a person had to be a citizen (or aspiring citizen) of at least 21 years old and head of their household and that they had to work the land for at least 5 years! Those broad requirements allowed land ownership by single women, Black folks, and technically any Native folks who intended to become American citizens after the Indian Removal Act of 1830 had kicked them off this land in the first place.
Homestead National Historical Park specifically preserves the land claim of Daniel Freeman, who applied during furlough from the Union Army! He was one of the first to take advantage of the Act, which was partly designed to discourage the plantation-style settlement that fueled slavery! The Freemans worked about 35 acres for the rest of their lives, during which Mr. Freeman was involved in a state Supreme Court case to strike down Bible lessons in public school classes!
But the park itself interprets homesteading across many states, including the struggles of maintaining a residence, braving the elements, and finding a way to break even at the end of the growing season. Lots of homesteaders gave up long before they’d worked the land for five years, making this first, maybe best, surviving homestead a great place to learn about this revolutionary program!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Volunteer at Homestead National Historical Park!
- Donate to Homestead National Historical Park!
- Be a responsible visitor! Remember the old adages: Pack out what you pack in! Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!
How Do I Get There?
8523 NE-4
Beatrice, NE 68310
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit the Park?
The visitor center is open weekdays from 8:30 AM until 6:00 PM and weekends from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM!
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