One of the many incentives to move westward during the mid-19th century 1800s was the 1862 Homestead Act. This congressional act made it possible for anyone who is at least 21 years of age and head of household to “stake your claim.” A claim was 160 acres of land. To obtain this land would have to first file for an application. Then you would improve the land by building a house, planting crops and trees and maintain them showing you could manage it. Finally, you would receive the deed to your land certifying it as yours. The photo above shows a sod shanty on a claim of land near Arlington in 1884.