What was the acreage granted to families under the Third Class Headrights in the Republic of Texas?

The correct answer, 640 acres, reflects the amount of land that families received under the Third Class Headrights in the Republic of Texas. This policy was part of the early land distribution strategies implemented to encourage settlement and development in the region after Texas declared independence from Mexico.

The Third Class Headrights were designated for heads of households who settled in Texas during the early years of the republic, providing them with substantial land to establish farms or homes. The allocation of 640 acres was specifically aimed at sufficiently supporting a family, ensuring that settlers had enough land for agricultural production, which was vital for their survival and success in a new and challenging environment.

Understanding the historical context of land grants helps explain the reasoning behind these acreages, emphasizing the intention to promote settlement for economic growth in the fledgling republic.