Final answer:
Married women, as well as single women and widows, could file homestead claims under the Homestead Act of 1862. They were entitled to claim up to 160 acres of public land if they met the requirements and made improvements to the land over a five-year period.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, married women could indeed file homestead claims. The Homestead Act of 1862 allowed any adult, including single women, widows, and deserted wives, the right to claim up to 160 acres of public land, provided they met certain requirements. They had to be at least 21 years old, have never taken arms against the U.S. government, be the head of a family, and be a U.S. citizen or have the intention of becoming one. They also had to live on the land for five years and make improvements to it, like building a dwelling and growing crops.
Learn more about Homestead Act