What was granted to all heads of family living in Texas before March 4, 1836 under the Headright System?

The Headright System was implemented in Texas during its early settlement period as a means to encourage immigration and development. Under this system, individuals who were heads of families were granted land based on specific criteria established by the government.

The correct answer emphasizes that each head of family who settled in Texas before March 4, 1836, was entitled to receive one league and one labor of land. A league measures approximately 4,428 acres, while a labor is about 177 acres. Thus, combined, this represents a significant land grant that both incentivized settlement and aimed to populate the region with families.

The structure of the Headright System was designed to promote family units establishing themselves in the territory, thus enhancing community stability and growth. The generous land grants were crucial for these early settlers, allowing them to cultivate the land, establish farms, and contribute to the economic development of Texas. This understanding is fundamental when studying Texas land laws and the historical context of its settlement.