The last claim awarded under this act was in 1988, 126 years after it passed, for a parcel of land in Alaska

The Final Jeopardy clue for Wednesday, January 8, 2025, centered on the category “American History” and posed the question: “The last claim awarded under this act was in 1988, 126 years after it passed, for a parcel of land in Alaska.”

What is the Homestead Act?

The Homestead Act, signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862, was a pivotal piece of legislation designed to encourage westward expansion and settlement in the United States. The act offered 160 acres of public land to individuals willing to cultivate and improve it over a period of five years. Applicants were required to be at least 21 years old or the head of a household, and they needed to pay a small filing fee to secure their claim.

This act became one of the most influential land-distribution policies in American history, shaping the development of the western territories. By the time the law was repealed in 1976 (except in Alaska, where it remained in effect until 1986), more than 270 million acres of land—nearly 10% of the U.S.—had been claimed under its provisions.

The Final Claim in Alaska

The last claim awarded under the Homestead Act, as referenced in the clue, was finalized in 1988 for a parcel of land in Alaska. This delayed conclusion to the act’s legacy was due to the unique provisions that allowed Alaskans more time to claim and develop land, owing to the state’s later entry into the Union and its remote and challenging environment.

This final claim underscored the enduring impact of the Homestead Act even more than a century after its passage. Alaska’s rugged terrain and vast wilderness presented significant challenges, making the persistence of homesteaders particularly notable. The final parcel awarded in 1988 symbolized the conclusion of an era that had transformed the American landscape and economy.

Legacy and Historical Significance

The Homestead Act holds a significant place in American history for its role in shaping the agricultural economy and fostering settlement across the United States. While it provided opportunities for millions of Americans and immigrants, the act also had profound consequences for Native American communities. Large swathes of indigenous land were transferred to settlers, often leading to displacement and conflict.

The final claim in 1988 serves as a reminder of the lasting effects of this legislation. By encouraging settlement in Alaska, the act contributed to the state’s development and integration into the Union, reflecting its adaptability to the distinct conditions of the Alaskan frontier.

A Final Chapter in American Expansion

The awarding of the last homestead claim in 1988 brought closure to a law that had defined much of America’s expansionist policy. From the plains of Kansas to the frozen landscapes of Alaska, the Homestead Act facilitated a profound transformation of the nation. The act’s final chapter highlights the persistence of its influence, even in the face of evolving national priorities and challenges.

This clue in Final Jeopardy provided a fascinating glimpse into a law that not only shaped the past but also left an enduring legacy on the present-day United States. The story of the Homestead Act is a testament to the ambitions and complexities of American history.