Homestead National Monument of America
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Homestead National Monument of America |
Contact Information:
Homestead National Monument of America
8523 W. State Highway 4
Beatrice, NE 68310
402-223-3514
http://www.nps.gov/home/
Size: 195 acres.
Location: Homestead National Monument of America is located in southeastern Nebraska, 40 miles south of Lincoln and 4 miles west of Beatrice on NE 4.
Description: This park, which includes the 160-acre claim filed by Daniel Freeman under The Homestead Act of 1862, is a memorial to the pioneers who settled the Great West. Among the features are a typical homestead cabin, a restored frontier school, and more than 100 acres of tallgrass prairie.
The Homestead Act of 1862 has been called one the most important pieces of Legislation in the history of the United States. Signed into law in 1862 by Abraham Lincoln after the secession of southern states, this Act turned over vast amounts of the public domain to private citizens. 270 millions acres, or 10% of the area of the United States was claimed and settled under this act. A homesteader had only to be the head of a household and at least 21 years of age to claim a 160 acre parcel of land. Settlers from all walks of life including newly arrived immigrants, farmers without land of their own from the East, single women and former slaves came to meet the challenge of "proving up" and keeping this "free land". Each homesteader had to live on the land, build a home, make improvements and farm for 5 years before they were eligible to "prove up". A total filing fee of $18 was the only money required, but sacrifice and hard work exacted a different price from the hopeful settlers.
Activities: Historical exhibits, films, picnicking, school programs, special events, and observing of tallgrass, wildflowers, and wildlife on the restored prairie.
Operating
Hours:
Open every day except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day,
and New Year's Day. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the visitor center and
buildings are open daily from 8:30am to 5:00pm. From Labor Day to Memorial Day,
the visitor center and buildings are open weekdays from 8:30am to 5:00pm and
weekends from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
History: Authorized on March 19, 1936.
See other National Monuments
See other Nebraska National Parks
