Homesteading means different things to different people. For most, it’s about self-sufficiency and living off the land. Historically, the term comes from the Homestead Act of 1862, when the U.S. government allowed any citizen or future citizen over 21 years old to claim up to 160 acres of government land for just $10. The only requirement? They had to live on and improve the land—whether by cultivating crops or building a homestead. After five years, they could apply for the deed to the property.

For me, homesteading is about learning and living the way our ancestors did. Life in the 1800s was tough, but they didn’t rely on big-box stores for survival. Instead, they depended on their land and their knowledge. They hunted and fished for meat, trapped game, and cultivated gardens—both spring and fall—to provide food year-round. Preserving the harvest was essential, ensuring they had enough to last through the seasons. They also raised livestock, not just for meat but for dairy, eggs, and other essential products.

Chickens provided eggs and meat.
Cows gave dairy and beef.
Pigs, along with other livestock, were staples on the homestead.

Homesteading in History

Did you know that during World War I, the U.S. government encouraged families to keep two chickens per household member? In 1918, advertisements promoted Victory Gardens, declaring that no yard was too small and raising chickens was easier than people thought.

For example, a family of four would have been encouraged to keep eight hens. In many modern cities, roosters are banned, but even with only hens, you’d get 5 to 8 eggs per day, depending on the breed. That’s at least 35 eggs per week! Chickens also help control pests, eat food scraps (so nothing goes to waste), and enjoy garden weeds or vegetables that aren’t fit for the dinner table.

The Heart of Homesteading

Joel Salatin said it best:

“Home is where you live. And ‘steader’ is an old Latin conglomeration that talks about your focus. It’s about where your heart is. So a homesteader is a person whose heart and focus is in the home.”

If you’re new to homesteading, just know that whether your homestead is big or small, it takes time to build—but every effort you put in is worth it.