What legislation, enacted in 1862, promoted settlement in the northwest by providing land for sale?

The Homestead Act of 1862 is significant because it aimed to encourage westward expansion by providing settlers with the opportunity to acquire land at little or no cost. Under this legislation, any adult citizen or intended citizen could claim 160 acres of public land, provided they improved it by building a dwelling and cultivating crops. This act played a crucial role in promoting settlement in the Northwest, making land accessible to individuals who may not have been able to afford it otherwise.

This legislation was part of a broader strategy to populate the western territories and promote agricultural development, reflecting the popular belief in Manifest Destiny – the idea that Americans were destined to expand across the continent. By creating this opportunity for land ownership, the Homestead Act significantly influenced migration patterns and demographic changes in the United States during this period.

While other options, such as the Pacific Railway Act, focused on infrastructure and transportation, the Homestead Act specifically targeted land settlement, making it a foundational piece of legislation for those seeking new opportunities in the west.