In 1862, the United States passed the Homestead Act, which stated that any adult citizen or intended citizen who had never borne arms against the U.S. government could claim 160 acres of surveyed government land provided they "improved" the land. After 5 years and a small filing fee, the land was theirs free and clear. Or they could pay $1.25 an acre and get the title within six months. Settlements began popping up all across the US, but sometimes the naming process didn't go quite right. Music By: brolefilmer via Pixbay