Land grants in the United States refer to the government’s allocation of land to individuals or groups for various purposes, such as settlement, agriculture, or education. These grants were particularly significant during the 19th century, as they encouraged westward expansion and the development of new territories. Notable examples include the Homestead Act of 1862, which provided 160 acres of public land to settlers willing to farm it for five years. Additionally, land grants were often used to support institutions like land-grant universities, established under the Morrill Act of 1862. These universities aimed to promote education in agriculture and the mechanical arts, making higher education more accessible to the public. Overall, land grants played a crucial role in shaping the economic and educational landscape of the United States.