President Lincoln and the Homestead Act

[RJNorton]

Even if President Lincoln had opposed the legislation it would have easily become law over his veto. The House of Representatives passed the Homestead Act by a vote of 107 to 16 on February 28, 1862. The Senate passed the Homestead Act by a vote of 33 to 7 on May 6, 1862. I am sure Lincoln knew it would be fruitless even if he were inclined to veto the bill (which he wasn't).