What act was passed by congress in 1862?

In 1862, Congress passed the Homestead Act, which aimed to encourage westward expansion by providing 160 acres of public land to settlers for a small fee, provided they improved the land by building a dwelling and cultivating crops. This legislation was significant in promoting settlement in the American West and played a crucial role in shaping the nation's agricultural landscape. It reflected the government's commitment to promoting individual land ownership and economic opportunity.