What did the Preemption Act of 1845 allow in Texas?

The Preemption Act of 1845 was significant in the context of land use and settlement in Texas, as it allowed squatters to gain rights to vacant land. This legislation enabled individuals who had settled on unoccupied public lands to claim ownership of those lands, provided they were the first to settle and improve upon them. Essentially, this act recognized the rights of early settlers who had established their homes and farms on lands that were not formally claimed or surveyed by the government.

This provision was particularly important during the era of westward expansion and land speculation, as it facilitated the transition from informal occupation to legal land ownership. Squatters often faced the risk of eviction or contestation over land claims, but the Preemption Act helped to secure their rights, fostering further settlement and development in the region.

The other options do not accurately reflect the core purpose of the Preemption Act. The act did not eliminate taxes for land claims, facilitate corporate land purchases, or impose immediate taxation on settlers, which distinguishes its intent and implications favorably toward individual settlers rather than larger entities or tax authorities.