“The Homestead Act of 1862 gave a person a chance to claim their own land. All one had to do was mark the boundaries, dig a well, build a home on the land and plow and plant the fields. If one did this and lived there for five years, the land was theirs. Nowadays, with the Homesteading Act no longer in effect, the term “homesteading” has taken on an entirely new meaning. It is the term coined to describe those people who have left the busy, 9-to-5 world behind and are living a frugal, self-sustaining life.”
This is something our family has wanted for years. We want to buy a piece of undeveloped land in Aiken County South Carolina where we can build earth friendly housing. We are interested in the EarthShip type of house which is build with recycled items such as tires, bottles, cans and cardboard. We are interested in Straw Bale huts, yurts and tipis, recycled campers, busses etc.
Due to disabilities we would have to have electricity and a well but would be working hard to reduce our dependence on electricity. We want to do raised gardens, gray water recycling, and use composting toilets. We have also been active in the rescue and care of disabled animals and would like to continue that with a better sanctuary.
