In 1862, Congress passed the revolutionary Homestead Act that sent thousands of Americans west in pursuit of free land. What was the history leading up to the 1862 Homestead Act?As the United States emerged as a new nation in the late 18th century, it accumulated title to land. Complete a homestead declaration form. Homesteading originated with President Lincoln signing the original Homestead. Act on May 20, 1862. Unlike most states, Alaska does not impose an acreage limit for homestead exemptions. President Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act on May 20, 1862. Instead, as the Supreme Court made clear in Santa Clara Pueblo v. The Future Award; Santa Clara Law School's Young.