The land was given away to people, in the US, up to about 100 years ago, just for staking a claim on the land. Up to 40 acres per person. Many made illegal clai

The land was given away to people, in the US, up to about 100 years ago, just for staking a claim on the land. Up to 40 acres per person. Many made illegal claims to more than one. Many of the wealthy quickly bought them up. You can learn more about it here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homestead_Acts https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homestead_Acts