2016
Valdez, R.H.
Abstract: Homesteaders with land claims on the Santa Fe National Forest were mostly risk-takers, who found odds in their favor, and held a passion to undertake the task of appropriating land to reside upon and cultivate as their primary means of subsistence, livelihood, or enterprise. Success, however, was never guaranteed. Obstacles to a homesteader receiving legal title to a claim of land included the weather, sickness, crop failure, poverty, legal issues, employment responsibilities outside the claim, or lengthy bureaucratic procedures. However, a healthy person, with a patient and determined disposition, having selected a good location for a homestead while possessing knowledge about rural living, improved his odds considerably. Some could increase their odds further by practicing thrift, being part of a community, being married with a productive family, or having other support from an extended family. Others who had access to wealth through employment or inheritance could overcome obstacles by procuring modern innovations, such as machine equipment or outside supplies and materials brought in by the railroad.