The Homestead Act

Ricardo Mendez

Professor Wilson

US History

23 Feb. 2017

Prompt 3

        After the Civil War, many Americans moved west, taking over the land for farms and forcing out the Native Americans. A lot of them had gotten land because of the Homestead Act. American settlers and European immigrants lived and extremely hard life on western farms, hoping to build new lives. Much of the land in the West claimed by settlers was the homeland of Native Americans that had used it for centuries. Native Americans were not only forced off their lands, but also lost much of their tradition. By the late 1800s, American farmers were feeding the nation and the world, yet they were increasingly concerned about feeding themselves. Since farmers were making such low income, they started to protest.

        In 1862 the Homestead Act allowed people to purchase land in the west. Anyone, including freed slaves, could buy 160 acres for only ten dollars. In order for them to have it for such a cheap price, they must farm it for at least 5 years. After the 5 years they can do whatever they want to it. As increasingly people kept on buying land, they kept on invading Indian territory. The Indians were forced to live on reservations that were too small. They did not have enough land to hunt and raise animals. 

        From 1860 to 1890 the US government had a lot problems and confrontations with Native Americans. President Grant asked the Native Americans if the US government could buy the black hills. The Native Americans responded to grant and asked for an extremely high price. Members of the Sioux tribe are constantly being spotted outside their boundaries. President Grant had heard this and decided to act. After February 1, 1876, every Native American must stay in their boundary or force will be used against. A few months go by and Indians are said to be outside the boundary. The Indians are spotted at Little Bighorn. 

        A very famous battle fought against Native Americans was the Battle of Little Bighorn. The Battle of Little Bighorn was fought on June 25, 1876 near the Little Bighorn River in Montana. Federal troops led by General Custer were going to attack a group of Indians by the river. Little did Custer know that they were going to be outnumbered. Sitting Bull, leader of the Indians at Little Bighorn, heard about the attack and quickly prepared for battle. Crazy Horse, another leader of the Indians, prepared to meet the Custer and his men head on. Custer’s men were said to be outnumbered 3000 to 200. The battle had ended within the hour. 

        After Custer’s death, the American public was horrified. People were saying that the only good Indian was a dead Indian. The public then says that extermination of Native Americans is valid. Later, the Northern Cheyenne is caught of their land as well. The tribe is then taken to Fort Robinson, Nebraska. The Native Americans ask for boundaries to be redrawn so they can have their sacred grounds. When the US Government hears about this, they refuse to redraw boundaries. Because of the refusal of the US government, the Northern Cheyenne conduct a “sit down” strike. The Fort commander withheld the Indians food and fuel that they needed. During the strike, some Indians tried to escape. The ones who did escaped were tracked down and killed and/or captured.