For a number of years individual Congressmen put forward bills providing for homesteading, but it was not until 1862 that the first homestead act was passed. It involves completing a form and submitting it to the county recorder's office.The Homestead Act of 1862 is recognized as one of the most revolutionary concepts for distributing public land in American history. The Homestead Act of 1862 is recognized as one of the most revolutionary concepts for distributing public land in American history. Homestead Act in 1862.