Such an important reminder and distinction. As you say, the Homestead Act, by which so many of our families became landowners, is more than just a splinter.
Antonia Malachik (On The Commons here on Substack) uses the metaphor of a tap root. Whenever we think we've cut down the thistle of colonialism, it persists and spreads further afield.
I'm glad you are here and appreciate your enthusiasm (TWO exclamation points). Your support over the years has been greatly appreciated. You are my ideal reader. You're still interested!
Yes and no. Yes, in that you are correct in recognizing the discrepancy between five and twenty-five years before the US government would issue a clear title to land; but no, in that homestead claims are not the same as allotments. I think you can see how the Homestead Act helped shape the idea of allotments. More on allotments next week! THANK YOU for reading so carefully Linda!
Wow! This was excellent. Revealing, authentic, informative, clever! I loved how you identified the different "levels" of understanding with respect to "homesteader." I see myself in that dangerously romanticized misconception. I learned so much in this short read. What incredible insight, Jill. This is really appreciated.
Thanks for reading Stephanie! It is heartening to hear you recognize your own romanticization of the concept of homesteading. It's interesting to see how the meanings have morphed yet the policy impacts continue today with my tax bill.
Such an important reminder and distinction. As you say, the Homestead Act, by which so many of our families became landowners, is more than just a splinter.
Antonia Malachik (On The Commons here on Substack) uses the metaphor of a tap root. Whenever we think we've cut down the thistle of colonialism, it persists and spreads further afield.
Thanks for these photos! I can’t unsee your prairie dress!
I see the dress and I see the prairie but not until you mention it did I see it as my prairie dress.
Interesting! Thanks for sharing!
I'm glad you are here and appreciate your enthusiasm (TWO exclamation points). Your support over the years has been greatly appreciated. You are my ideal reader. You're still interested!
So homesteaders who were non-Indian had 5 years to live permanently and improve the land, and Indians had 25!
Yes and no. Yes, in that you are correct in recognizing the discrepancy between five and twenty-five years before the US government would issue a clear title to land; but no, in that homestead claims are not the same as allotments. I think you can see how the Homestead Act helped shape the idea of allotments. More on allotments next week! THANK YOU for reading so carefully Linda!
Wow! This was excellent. Revealing, authentic, informative, clever! I loved how you identified the different "levels" of understanding with respect to "homesteader." I see myself in that dangerously romanticized misconception. I learned so much in this short read. What incredible insight, Jill. This is really appreciated.
Thanks for reading Stephanie! It is heartening to hear you recognize your own romanticization of the concept of homesteading. It's interesting to see how the meanings have morphed yet the policy impacts continue today with my tax bill.