The passage of the Homestead Act. This provided incentives for people to take up farming in places such as Oklahoma and the Great Plains in general. This eventually became a problem between white settlers and Native Americans. President Lincoln was very much interested in this plan to have more settlers move westward.

According to Kansas Homestead exemption, homeowners are limited by the amount of land they protect but can exempt unlimited value in their homes. Protection for up to 160 acres of farmland and 1 acre of land within city limits is possible under Kansas homestead exemption.

Under Illinois Bankruptcy laws, the homestead exemption includes farm lot & buildings, condominiums, personal property or cooperative. These homes can be owned or leased. They can be up to $15,000, including the proceeds of sale for one year.

The Homestead Strike occurred in Homestead, Pennsylvania.

In some states, the homestead exemption is automatic -- that is, if you live in your house, then the homestead law applies automatically. In other states, you must file a "Homestead Declaration" in order to put potential creditors on notice that the house is your primary residence. If you file the Homestead Declaration, then you are entitled to the protections of the homestead law. If you don't file the Homestead Declaration, then you're not.