The federal Homestead Act of 1862 opened the door to settlement of the West. Between 1862 and 1934, over 1.6 million homesteads were granted in the U.S. totaling 260 million acres - nearly 10% of all land in the continental U.S. A homesteader seeking to claim land, could stake a claim of up to 160 acres, providing they were willing to "improve" the land. Failure to do so within 5 years resulted in forfeiture of the claim. Most homesteaders in Washington State arrived here with nary a coin in there pocket. In short order, they were faced with having to find a way to feed their families, build shelter and improve their land. Valley land, with it's rich soil and flat terrain, was prime and first to be claimed. Those that came later were faced with an enormous challenge as they moved into heavy timber.
Image courtesy Museum of History & Industry, 1997.20.3, P. Wischmeyer photographer, n.d.
The comforts of home weren't always quite so comfortable. This cabin at least had two paned windows. Notice the area in front of the cabin that is cleared and staked off. Maybe a garden area? One would think it hard to grow anything with all these trees providing shade.
Image courtesy Washington State Historical Society, 1978.48.1.2, circa 1910
By happenstance, I think that the two photos above are of the same homestead, though I found the images from two different sources.
Is homesteading possible today? Yes in Alaska and yes in Washington State too. "Specifically, individuals in danger of losing their home to foreclosure may declare a limited portion of property as a "homestead" and thus off-limits to unsecured creditors. Washington homestead laws allow a maximum exemption of $125,000, but don't specify a maximum acreage." (Source: Washington Homestead Laws - FindLaw)
Let's hope that you don't have "homesteading" in your future, at least in Washington State.
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