Hastings Colonization Road launched to increase settlements and encourage agriculture. The lumber industry pressured the government to provide roads to establish nearby settlements to supply food and other provisions to the loggers.
To encourage these settlements further the government offered “free land grants” to prospective settlers who were 18 years of age and older. The settlers were required to build a house at least 20’ by 28’. It must be erected in four days by five men. The settler must reside on the property for a period of four years and cultivate at least 12 acres. When all conditions were met the settler was eligible to apply for title to the property.
