What was the main purpose of the Homestead Act?

The main purpose of the Homestead Act was to encourage westward settlement by providing land. Enacted in 1862, the Homestead Act offered 160 acres of public land to settlers for a small fee, provided they agreed to live on the land, improve it, and cultivate crops for a minimum of five years. This legislation was a significant motivation for many individuals and families to move westward, as it made land ownership accessible to ordinary citizens, including immigrants and those who might not otherwise have the means to secure property. The act was instrumental in shaping the American frontier and promoting migration, thereby contributing to the expansion of the United States.