# 222 - 1890 4c Lincoln, dark brown
1890-93 Regular Issue 4¢ Lincoln
Issue Date: February 22, 1890
Issue Quantity: 46,877,200
Printed by: American Bank Note Company
Method: Flat plate
Watermark: None
Perforation: 12
Color: Dark brown
The Homestead Act
Since the American Revolution, the distribution of government lands was a matter of great debate. In America’s early years, setting boundaries on new land was unorganized, causing frequent overlapping claims and disputes. When land ordinance laws were introduced in 1785, the plots were large and pricey. People repeatedly called for cheaper plots or preemption – an arrangement where they would settle first and pay later.
The Homestead Act opened up millions of acres of land to anyone willing to take it. But there were several provisions that needed to be met in order for them to earn their claim. Homesteaders needed to be the head of a household, at least 21 years old, and pay the $18 filing fee to lay claim to one of the 160-acre parcels of land. Immigrants, women, and former slaves were among those permitted to file for homesteads.
During his lifetime, Daniel Freeman wanted to be recognized as America’s first homesteader. By 1909, other Nebraskans were calling for his land to be preserved as a national park. Little progress was made until Senator George W. Norris joined the campaign. He presented his proposal for the creation of a park in 1935. He succeeded the following year on March 16, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Homestead National Monument Act.
Click here to read the Homestead Act.
Click here for more from the National Park Service website.
1890-93 Regular Issue 4¢ Lincoln
Issue Date: February 22, 1890
Issue Quantity: 46,877,200
Printed by: American Bank Note Company
Method: Flat plate
Watermark: None
Perforation: 12
Color: Dark brown
The Homestead Act
Since the American Revolution, the distribution of government lands was a matter of great debate. In America’s early years, setting boundaries on new land was unorganized, causing frequent overlapping claims and disputes. When land ordinance laws were introduced in 1785, the plots were large and pricey. People repeatedly called for cheaper plots or preemption – an arrangement where they would settle first and pay later.
The Homestead Act opened up millions of acres of land to anyone willing to take it. But there were several provisions that needed to be met in order for them to earn their claim. Homesteaders needed to be the head of a household, at least 21 years old, and pay the $18 filing fee to lay claim to one of the 160-acre parcels of land. Immigrants, women, and former slaves were among those permitted to file for homesteads.
During his lifetime, Daniel Freeman wanted to be recognized as America’s first homesteader. By 1909, other Nebraskans were calling for his land to be preserved as a national park. Little progress was made until Senator George W. Norris joined the campaign. He presented his proposal for the creation of a park in 1935. He succeeded the following year on March 16, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Homestead National Monument Act.
Click here to read the Homestead Act.
Click here for more from the National Park Service website.