What were the key provisions of the Homestead Act of 1862?

The key provisions of the Homestead Act of 1862 focused on providing incentives for westward expansion by granting individuals access to land. Specifically, the act offered 160 acres of public land to any adult citizen who was the head of a household, or had filed for naturalization. By paying a nominal fee, settlers could claim this land as long as they met certain conditions, such as living on the land for a minimum of five years and improving it by building a dwelling or cultivating crops. This was a significant step in encouraging settlement in the western United States, aiming to populate and develop the region while also addressing issues like land ownership and access.

The other options do not align with the provisions of the Homestead Act. For instance, while education initiatives were important during this period, the Homestead Act specifically dealt with land allocation rather than educational opportunities. Additionally, it did not establish federal control over all land in the West, as states and territories still had certain powers regarding land management. Lastly, the act did not impose a tax on discovered minerals; it primarily focused on land distribution to promote settlement. Thus, the detail regarding the provision of 160 acres of land to settlers for a small fee is the most accurate reflection of the Homestead Act