What *is* a "homestead/homesteader"?

[theoutlands]

I've seen answers to this spread across two forums (at least) and a dozen or more threads. But - it bears thinking about again.

What *is* a homestead or a homesteader?

 

[Libertarian]

Here in Texas it is a primary residence that is sheltered from many legal actions and has a reduced tax rate. It can be a 100'x100' plot with a trailer on it or a 10k abre ranch.

 

[Freeholdfarm]

Depends. Libertarian gave the legal definition, which I think is similar to other states as well. The popular definition, as used on the homesteading forums and in the homesteading magazines, is simply someone concerned with growing some or most of their own food, and generally trying to be somewhat self-sufficient. Homesteaders range from trailer-park dwellers growing food in containers on their smaller-than-postage-stamp space, to people with large acreages. Usually a homesteader isn't making a living off his or her efforts, but many do at least pay expenses by sale of some product from their labors. If they are making a living, they are more likely to call themselves farmers. Few farmers today would qualify as homesteaders, though (with exceptions, of course).

Kathleen

 

[A.T.Hagan]

What is a homesteader?

Whatever the individual says it is.

The concept almost defies description, but we know each other when we meet.

.....Alan.

 

[Todd]

Alan,

I'd say it is a person or family that takes personal responsibility for their survival.

Todd

 

[A.T.Hagan]

Todd,

I'd say that was closer to the definition of what is a survivalist, but then the two do have a large overlapping common ground.

.....Alan.