A homestead is a piece of land, often with a house, where a family lives and farms. It typically includes a garden, livestock, and other resources that support self-sufficiency. Homesteading is a lifestyle choice that emphasizes sustainability, where individuals grow their own food and may even produce their own energy. The concept of homesteading has historical roots in the Homestead Act of 1862, which encouraged westward expansion in the United States by granting land to settlers. Today, many people are returning to homesteading practices as a way to connect with nature and reduce their reliance on commercial goods.