This year, the Montana State Historic Preservation Office is pleased to present the 2012 Montana Preservation Poster commemorating the anniversary of the 1862 Homestead Act, featuring a beautiful painting of a Montana reservation scene by Assiniboine artist William Standing. As you know, the Homestead Act resulted in tremendous changes to the Montana landscape, greatly impacted Indian lands and lifeways, and brought non-Indian pioneers to the state by the thousands. Passed by Congress on May 20, 1862, the Homestead Act promised 160 Western acres to each settler who agreed to cultivate them for five years. Eligibility was limited to citizens (or prospective citizens) 21 and older who had never fought the government (thus excluding Confederate soldiers and former soldiers). Women and minorities could also claim land - a first. So great was the demand that the United States handed over 10 percent of the nation’s lands - 270 million acres - to private citizens. If you would like a free copy of this poster please email dmurdo@mt.gov with your contact information.