phrases seen on advertisements for homestead land
COST TO HOMESTEADERS
FOURTEEN DOLLARS AND FIVE YEARS
$14.00 AND YOUR BLOOD, SWEAT, AND TEARS FOR LAND OWNERSHIP
Charles Meehan paid $14.00 to register his claim in Cherry County, Nebraska. He committed to live on the land for five years and to improve the claim.
He and other Homesteaders cleared land, tilled the soil, planted trees, and raised crops and/or livestock. Homes were built, along with churches and schools. Post offices and shops followed.
The work to establish a homestead was difficult and often lonely, but thousands made commitments for themselves and their family's future generations.
The cost of many Homesteader's dreams was $14 and hard work, but the price was often paid through the displacement of the Indigenous peoples of North America.
The following links (videos) are presented for your consideration.
