What constitutes eligibility for Preemption Grants in Texas?

Eligibility for Preemption Grants in Texas is established by the requirement of living on vacant tracts for three consecutive years. This stipulation was originally designed to encourage settlement and habitation in frontier areas, thereby fostering the establishment of communities and agricultural development. By residing on the land for this specific duration, settlers demonstrated their commitment to using and improving the property, which was a key aspect of the land grant system during Texas's early statehood and republic periods.

This requirement served not only to validate the claim to the land but also to ensure that it was actively being utilized. The other options do not align with the historical framework of Preemption Grants in Texas, as they either suggest shorter time frames for residency or do not pertain directly to the eligibility criteria established by the grant system.