Why did many blacks migrate to the Great Plains?

Answer 1

Blacks/African Americans migrated to the Great Plains for several reasons.

Congress passed a wide variety of land acts to help attract settlers to the Great Plains. The 1862 Homestead Act opened up opportunities for African Americans by offering them land at little or no cost. Advertisements, newspaper articles, letters, and encouragement from black and white leaders enticed the African Americans to move to the Great Plains.

Another reason was that the conditions in the south were dire with increased racial violence, disfranchisement, loss of civil rights, and lack of economic opportunity for southern blacks. Many found homesteading on the plains difficult or had been led west by rumors that didn't live up to expectations, such as free passage and free land, but they stayed because it was better than returning to the south.