Federal land grants are parcels of land provided by the U.S. government to individuals, companies, or institutions, often used to encourage settlement, economic development, and infrastructure projects. These grants reflect the government's role in shaping land use policies and fostering economic growth while sparking debates over land ownership, rights, and responsibilities.
Homestead Act: A law passed in 1862 that granted 160 acres of public land to settlers for a small fee, provided they improved the land by building a dwelling and cultivating crops.
Land Grant Colleges: Institutions of higher education established through federal land grants under the Morrill Act of 1862, aimed at promoting agricultural and technical education.
Railroad Land Grants: Lands granted by the federal government to railroad companies to encourage the construction of railroads, often leading to the development of new towns and economic opportunities.