Texas Surveyors Practice Exam

What was the requirement for colonists under the Colonist Law to receive title to their land?

1. Pay land taxes for five years

2. Live on the land for six years

3. Survey the land within two years

4. Obtain government approval annually

The correct answer is: Live on the land for six years

To receive title to their land under the Colonist Law, colonists were required to live on the land for a specified duration of six years. This requirement emphasized the idea that settlers should demonstrate their commitment to the land and establish a presence, which was vital for the development and stabilization of newly settled areas. Living on the land not only allowed colonists to cultivate it but also ensured they were active participants in the community and governance. This requirement is in line with historical practices of land grants, which often included conditions that encouraged settlement and cultivation, reflecting the priorities of the colonial government at the time. While other options mention aspects of land management or taxation, they do not capture the central condition of residence as a prerequisite for land title, which was a primary focus of such laws.