In 1862, Congress passed the revolutionary Homestead Act that sent thousands of Americans west in pursuit of free land. Any man 21 years of age or over was eligible to stake out 160 acres of land for less than $20. After filing their intentions, homesteaders were required to live on the land, build a residence, and farm at least 10% of it within five years before a legal patent for the land was issued. After Alaska was purchased by the U.S., homesteaders began claiming land in Alaska. Homesteaders ranged from dairy and agricultural farmers to miners and wilderness pioneers living a subsistence lifestyle. Though homesteading in most of the U.S. began to rapidly diminish in the early 20th century, it remained a viable method of settling Alaska. The Homestead Act was finally repealed in 1976, though Alaska was granted an extension until 1986. In its 114 active years, 10% of U.S. land was settled under the act, including significant portions of Alaska. Document extending the Homestead Act in Alaska.
Since the 1986 repeal, there has been no federal homesteading program in Alaska; the State of Alaska, however, created public land disposal programs starting with statehood in 1959. Initially, the state sold land primarily through auctions and then through land lotteries after 1978. In 1977 the Homesite Law provided for "free land" with provisions similar those of the federal Homestead Act. In 1984, the Homestead Program was initiated, allowing for the claim of 40 non-agricultural acres or 160 agricultural acres of land. The requirements for homesteaders eventually came to include U.S. citizenship and residency in Alaska for one year prior to filing as well as certain surveying, clearing and building obligations. After 1988, all parcels eligible for homesteading were first staked out by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources.
The DNR fact sheet "Land for Alaskans" outlines the different programs of land disposals offered by DNR as well as contact information for other agencies offering land for sale within the state. Today, the DNR primarily sells state lands for private or commercial use through public sealed bids. Parcels that are not sold through these auctions are offered for sale over-the-counter. For current state land parcels for sale, visit the following DNR sites:
Or contact the DNR Public Information Center for more information.
Department of Natural Resources
550 W. 7th Ave. Ste. 1260
Anchorage, AK 9950-13557
907-269-8400 (Dial 0 after 10:00am to get to Center Staff)
Alaska Facts
State Nick Name: "The Last Frontier" - the name Alaska is derived from the Aleut word "Alyeska," meaning "great land."
State Motto: "North to the Future"
State Capital: Juneau, located in the Southeast region of Alaska, has a population of 33,277 (2015 Estimate of Population, Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development)
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of land settlement history, particularly in the United States, I can confidently provide comprehensive information regarding the concepts mentioned in the article about the Homestead Act and land disposal programs in Alaska.
The Homestead Act of 1862 was a pivotal piece of legislation passed by the U.S. Congress that allowed individuals, primarily men aged 21 and above, to claim and settle parcels of land, typically 160 acres, for a nominal fee. To gain legal ownership, homesteaders had to live on the land, build a dwelling, and cultivate a portion of it within five years before receiving a land patent. This act encouraged westward expansion, attracting diverse groups from farmers to miners, and played a significant role in settling the American frontier.
Alaska, after being purchased by the U.S., became an area where homesteaders ventured to claim land. Homesteading remained a viable means of settling Alaska even as it declined in other parts of the country. The Homestead Act was finally repealed in 1976, with Alaska granted an extension until 1986. During this period, approximately 10% of U.S. land, including substantial portions of Alaska, was settled under the act.
Post the Homestead Act's repeal in 1986, the federal homesteading program ceased, but the State of Alaska initiated its own land disposal programs. These programs started after statehood in 1959 and initially involved land sales through auctions and lotteries. Notably, in 1977, the Homesite Law offered land similar to the federal Homestead Act, and in 1984, the Homestead Program began, allowing claims of 40 non-agricultural or 160 agricultural acres.
Requirements for Alaskan homesteaders included U.S. citizenship, one year of residency in Alaska before filing, along with obligations such as surveying, clearing, and building. Following 1988, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staked out parcels eligible for homesteading. The DNR provides information on various land disposal programs and contact details for agencies offering land for sale in the state, primarily selling state lands for private or commercial use through auctions or over-the-counter sales.
Today, the DNR's focus includes selling state lands via sealed bids or over-the-counter sales if not sold through auctions. Individuals seeking current state land parcels for sale can access information on the DNR's Land Disposal Home Page or contact the DNR Public Information Center at the provided address or phone number.
Regarding Alaska as a state, it's known as "The Last Frontier," deriving its name from the Aleut word "Alyeska," meaning "great land." Its state motto is "North to the Future," and Juneau serves as its capital in the Southeast region. The state's flag incorporates symbolic elements representing its natural beauty and heritage.
Should there be a need for updated information or specific details about land acquisition or state programs in Alaska, the Department of Natural Resources remains a valuable resource, offering pertinent information and assistance to interested parties seeking to acquire land within the state.
