Candace Van Dam

Topics: American Old West, Discussion Leader, History, South Dakota, Women

Community: Sioux Falls

Program Types: Speakers Bureau, Virtual Program(s)

ckvandam@sio.midco.net | (605) 360-1222| www.ckvandam.com

Women Tamed the Frontier
The Homestead Act of 1862 opened the frontier to new landowners. The spark that became the “On the Dakota Frontier” series was this statistic: 37% of men proved their claims while 42% of women proved their claims. This program focuses on the landmark legislation, the Homestead Act and its impact on property ownership for women. The presentation also highlights the profound influence women had on the frontier – from establishing schools and churches, to women’s suffrage and business ownership.