How much land became available through the Homestead Act?

The Homestead Act of 1862 made approximately 270 million acres of public land available for settlement in the United States. It allowed settlers to claim 160 acres of land for a small fee, provided they improved it by building a dwelling and cultivating crops. The act aimed to encourage westward expansion and support agricultural development. Ultimately, it played a significant role in shaping the American landscape and population distribution.