The Homestead Act of 1862 gave a citizen, or an immigrant who intended to become a citizen, the right to buy 160 acres of government land for a modest fee. The Homestead Act of 1862 opened up millions of acres.Any adult who had never taken up arms against the federal government of the United States could apply. The Homestead Act of 1862 allowed a citizen to claim up to 160 acres of western lands in exchange for farming and improving that land. The Homestead Act of 1862 and the regulations that came before it freed up lands for new settlers while allocating Native American tribes to reservations. The Homestead Act of 1862 was a revolutionary concept for distributing public land in American history. The 1862 Homestead Act successfully enticed settlers to the Arroyo Seco and Big Sur valleys. A new owner will automatically receive an exemption claim form in the mail and there is no cost to file. The Homestead Act of 1862 stated that any current or future citizen, with a mere ten dollars, could claim a homestead of up to 160 acres of government land. Located in the heart of the Silicon Valley with easy access to freeways, Apple Campus and San Jose Airport.