The Homestead Act, beginning in 1862, drew many settlers to the opportunities of the West, opening up millions of acres to citizens who could prove-up the land. With time, a variety of changes occurred, including the addition of a Desert Land Act, which was passed in 1877. This law was to encourage and promote development of land that would otherwise be considered less than ideal. Individuals applying for a desert-land entry were expected to irrigate the claimed land to make it useful.