Western United Mutual Ins Assn

Description

With the creation of the Homestead Act in 1862, large numbers of settlers began moving into the Nebraska territory. However, large insurance companies in the eastern United States were unwilling to conduct business west of the Mississippi River due to the unsettled nature of the area. As each homesteader received 160 acres, the population of people where highly scattered, with undeveloped roads and fire stations few and far between.