Equality

One consequence of the homesteading movement was the creation of opportunities for women in arenas like the home, politics, and community, that had been discouraged or outright squelched before. Where tradition would have the woman confined to the home, raising children and performing household chores, many times the dynamic and desperate nature of the prairie thrust women (willingly or unwillingly) into male spheres. If there was an extra set of hands needed to sew corn seeds, operate a plow, or mend a yoke, chances are a woman could and would provide those hands.

Increasing gender equality was not limited to the home. The burgeoning frontier town became a place for women to assume unprecedented leadership roles. The construction of a church and its upkeep might be directed by a woman or group of women, who would organize fundraisers and charity work for the congregation. Teaching would also become...