Question

According to the Homestead Act of 1862, what were two ways that a settler could claim and own a piece of land in the western plains?

Answer 1

The Homestead Act promised two things:

1) As long as you didn't bear arms against the US government and were the adult head of a household, you could claim 160 acres of land.

2) If you can develop the land and live on it for five years, it was yours free and clear.

Here's the Act in a little more detail:

http://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=false&doc=31