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In the United States, the Homestead Act (1862) allowed anyone to claim up to 160 acres (647,000 mē) of land. After clearing and working the land for five years, the homesteader would receive title to the land from the government. In this sense, homesteading was a means of obtaining land, and was the most important and prevalent means of settlement in the late 19th century.
See also homestead principle.
Currently the term homesteading applies to anyone who is a part of the back-to-land movement and who voluntarily chooses to live a sustainable, self-sufficient lifestyle. While land is no longer free anywhere, homesteading is still a way of life. See also voluntary simplicity, self-sufficiency and permaculture.
Resources
http://www.backwoodshome.com/ Backwoods Home Magazine http://www.deliberatelife.com/ Deliberate Life