Great Tiny House in the Mojave Desert in Joshua Tree on 10 acres.

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The Small Tract Act of 1938, also known as the Izac Five-Acre Tract Law, was a piece of legislation enacted in the United States that allowed for the lease or sale of small parcels of public land to individuals for various purposes, such as residential, recreational, health, or business use. The act aimed to provide opportunities for people to acquire smaller tracts of land, not exceeding five acres in size, from the Federal Government. The first applications were received in 1940 and there were over 250 submitted in the first two weeks to the Los Angeles Land Office, which was managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

The key distinction between the 5-acre tract enactment and previous established homestead and desert claim acts lies in the primary purpose of the land. Unlike the earlier acts that focused on creating a livelihood for the occupant, the 5-acre tract legislation emphasized the establishment of a home with a primary emphasis on recreational, health, and personal fulfillment purposes. This shift recognized the desire of individuals to connect with nature, seek solace in the open spaces, and embrace a simpler lifestyle, prioritizing personal well-being and enjoyment of the land rather than solely relying on it for economic sustenance.

The Small Tract Act presented a unique opportunity for people to become property owners and establish their own homes on these tracts. It offered an alternative to renting in urban areas, where housing could be costly and crowded.

While home ownership was a draw to the jackrabbit homesteads, it is important to note that the motivations and circumstances varied among homesteaders. Some sought a break from urban living and the associated costs of renting or owning in cities, while others were drawn to the sense of adventure, self-sufficiency, and connection with nature that homesteading offered. The ability to own land, build a home according to one’s preferences, and live a self-sustaining lifestyle were among the benefits that appealed to individuals and families considering the jackrabbit homesteads as an alternative to urban living.