Once the hardships of the journey were over, the pioneers began to establish their new lives. One of the most important things they had to do was quickly claim land for themselves. The Homestead Act of 1862 provided them with 160 acres of land for the fee of ten dollars. In some areas, the wife was also allowed to claim an additional 160 acres. Next, they had to build their log cabins and sod houses. "Weeks of hard labor were required to fell trees, clear away the brush and prepare the site," said Charlotte Cartwright, who settled in Oregon in 1845. They often had to live in their wagons until suitable housing could be constructed. The greatest challenge was to survive through the first winter. They were isolated in the wilderness and often felt homesick. Cut off from civilization, they had to rely on themselves and on their own hard...