What is the deal with so many people homesteading these days? If you pay attention on social media or YouTube, you may start to notice a trend of people getting into homesteading and alternative ways of living.
Maybe it’s a sense of urgency that people are feeling the need to adopt this lifestyle, perhaps it’s something else like to go back to their ancestors roots. Whatever the case, homesteading is becoming more and more prevalent and we will dive into why that is.
Historical Significance
America as a whole is made up of people that moved from one place to another for a better life. The European settlers that first arrived in Jamestown, VA we’re here to seek refuge from religious persecution in 1607. Many Americans today seek homesteading as a way to escape the rat race. Others want to get back to their pioneering roots; living the way their ancestors did.
Homesteading involves a myriad of activities. Activities such as: gardening, hunting, animal husbandry, crafting and baking. It is a path away from the norm. This means doing things the old fashioned way like making bread from scratch, rather than buying loaves from the store.
In the 19th century, several laws were acted that allowed citizens to acquire ownership of government property called a homestead. The first wave of homesteading began in 1862 with the Homestead Act. This allowed Americans mainly in the Midwest to acquire land. Growing up, homesteading and farming I thought were the same thing. However, as I got older, I realized homesteading is more a lifestyle whereas farming is an occupation.
After the homesteading act of 1862, came several more which spread out across the rest of the country. Much like other moments in American history, the idea of acquiring property for personal use began to evolve to what it is today.
A Sense of Freedom
Many people want to take back their personal freedoms by being in control of what they eat, the process in which their food is made or is grown, and the yearning for a life that is free.
Homesteading is what you make it. You don’t have to have 50 acres to homestead, you can homestead where ever you are, including the city in some cases.
Sometimes it’s other things like people want the freedom to make decisions that you normally couldn’t do living in the city. Things like raising animals, a more widespread garden, target shooting, and more.
In more urban areas, things are controlled or provided for. A great reason to get into homesteading is the ability to choose how you live instead of following the norm.
The pandemic created a huge surge in the homesteading movement. Lockdown of the country forced people to conform to a standard that was not comfortable or normal. A lot of people turned to homesteading, to take back control of their lives.
Healthier Lifestyle
With homesteading comes opportunities like gardening and harvesting. Learning to grow your own food, although challenging is very rewarding!
Organic is expensive to buy in the store, and even harder to grow, but it is worth it versus buying produce with a bunch of pesticides sprayed on them. Making fresh bread or jam made from berries straight out of the garden is a healthier alternative to buying products sold in the grocery store.
It’s the New Sexy Thing!
Maybe you’ve stumbled on other blogs or YouTube channels documenting the homesteading life. Here are some final thoughts and content to get you started.
The Mindful Homestead is a great resource into homesteading. Their videos are very informative and interesting to view.
Another great resource is Jill Winger. She is one of the top leaders in the homesteading community. Her blog and YouTube channel cover everything from starting a homestead on one income to how to use the extra milk from a cow.
There are countless other small blogs, content channels on YouTube, and Instagram accounts that provide great insight and advice into the world of homesteading.
Happy learning!