Homesteading in Idaho

Shaping America's History | Whiskey Springs: Learn about an early Idaho homestead | May 2012 Idaho Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month | Presentation: Westward expansion of the American Frontier | More information coming soon about specific Idaho homesteads

Idaho Homesteading 
Total: 60,221 homesteads
Total acres in State: 52,960,640
Total acres homesteaded in State: 9,733,455
Total percentage of Idaho homesteaded: 18% 

Celebrate the Homestead Act's 150th Anniversary

The cry was FREE LAND! The Homestead Act of 1862 was one of the most significant and enduring events in the westward expansion of the United States. By granting free land it allowed nearly any man or woman a chance to live the American dream.

2012 marks the 150th anniversary of one of America's most influential pieces of legislation, the Homestead Act of 1862.

The 1862 Homestead Act was passed by President Abraham Lincoln. The Act was the first homestead act under which settlers could obtain up to 160 acres without cost other than filing fee. The first filings were allowed starting on January 1, 1863. The final homestead patent awarded under the Act was to Kenneth W. Deardorff in Alaska, who filed his application for the land on May 16, 1974, and patented on May 5, 1988.