Frontier life refers to the experiences of people living in newly settled areas, often on the edges of established territories. This lifestyle typically involved farming, hunting, and building homes from available materials. Settlers faced challenges such as harsh weather, limited resources, and the need to establish community ties with neighbors. Many frontier families relied on self-sufficiency, growing their own food and raising livestock. They often traveled long distances to trade goods and access services. The Homestead Act of 1862 encouraged settlement by offering land to those willing to cultivate it, shaping the development of the American West.