Homestead National Historical Park celebrates 45th annual Homestead Days

BEATRICE, Neb. (KLKN) — This past weekend marked the 45th annual Homestead Days at Homestead National Historical Park near Beatrice.

It was all about the effects of the 1862 Homestead Act, which gave anyone who had lived in the U.S. for at least five years a plot of land, as long as they built a house and grew crops.

There were demonstrations of the homesteader lifestyle and crafts. 

The event also had performances of music from different parts of the world, which represents the homesteaders who came to this land. 

There was also Native American representation as an acknowledgement of the Homestead Act’s negative impacts on Indigenous people. 

“I’m happy to be here today because at least there’s an acknowledgement for the things that were done to our people in the past and when we come to a new time in generation where people want to try to work on that,” said Greg Victors Wichita Dancer, a descendant of Chief Standing Bear’s brother, Big Snake.

The Homestead National Historical Park recognizes the 4 million people who filed claims in 30 states from 1862 to 1976.

“I have family that came from Germany on the promise of the Homestead Act, and so many people do,” said Park Ranger Amber Kirkendall said. “As many as 1 in every 3 Americans are descendants of a homesteaders, over 93 million.”

The park also has multiple activities during the summer for the whole family.

For more information, you can visit its website.