Homestead National Monument of America

In the mist of Civil War in 1862 Congress passed the Homestead Act. On January 1,1863 anyone who signed up was given 160 acres of land to farm.If they stuck with it,they could keep the land.Why go to Nebraska if this is a blog about Kansas ? Fair question. Soon after the Homestead Act was passed, Timothy Smith came from Pennsylvania to Pott County Kansas, a few miles from Manhattan and began to farm. 5 Generations later, the writer of this blog sits at a lap top writing these words. The land near Manhattan is still in use.Someone in my the family has the paper signed by Lincoln granting the use of the land.

Last summer and this , I have seen the tales of Bleeding Kansas,the Drive Western,stood on a bluff and looked down at a river where Lewis and Clark explored.I have seen the Industry that has built the state,the politics that have moved the state and the nation. The moments were the hairs on my arm stand up have been many. The tour guide at the William Allen White explaining "6 Presidents have eaten at this table." Here we going to Beatrice,Nebraska the site of the Homestead land of Daniel Freeman, and I know his story is also my families Story. The story of the American Farmer braving locust,lack of knowledge in Farming. As many people who kept the land into the 6th and 7th generation many more failed.

Beatrice is maybe a half hour from Kansas, the Monument is 4 miles outside of town.It sits on 160 acres land Homesteaded by Daniel Freeman who made his claim on January 1,1863, one of the first if not the first to Homestead. We visited the Heritage Center.For cancellation fans, you can get 4 Stamps, one for the Monument, the Oregon Trail,California Trail and Pony Express.I had the best time talking with the Ranger about stamps, where to get them, how many we've had and hidden stamps.She found out afterwards if you go to the top of Long's Peak, you can get another stamp. She called and had them send her one.

The Film talks about the history of Homesteading including the fact it kicked Indians off their land. The Museum exhibits include Farm equipment, a wonderful display of Newspaper ads for Homesteading. It's very multi media with several videos,including a discussion about the last Homesteader in Alaska ,who got his land in 1980's.The centerpiece is a wind mill with rises above the upper level.

The grounds also include hiking trails,a restored cabin and a one room school house just off the property. In talking about the multi media , they are also on Facebook. I am now a Fan. The website talks about Fiddle festivals,high school ecology field trips and controlled burns.I had high expectations because of the link to my family history. I was thrilled to be there, thrilled it exists.Homesteading is an important story in Manifest destiny. The Bill signed by Lincoln opened by opportunity for many.60% of those who made Claims failed, 40% suceeded beyond the 5 years.