Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In Part 2 of our America250 series, Randy Newberg explores one of the most overlooked chapters in American history: how the United States went from owning 1.8 billion acres of public land to just over 600 million acres.
Following the Louisiana Purchase and westward expansion, Congress used public land to build the nation. Millions of acres were granted to states to fund public schools, homesteaders seeking a better life, railroad companies connecting the country, Native tribes through treaties and settlements, and military veterans as payment for their service.
These land transfers shaped the America we know today, but they also left behind something even more valuable. The mountains, deserts, forests, canyons, and wild landscapes that remained became the foundation of our National Forests, National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and Bureau of Land Management lands.
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, understanding how these public lands came to exist is essential to understanding our nation's history and the responsibility we share in protecting them.
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In Part 2 of our America250 series, Randy Newberg explores one of the most overlooked chapters in American history: how the United States went from owning 1.8 billion acres of public land to just over 600 million acres.
Following the Louisiana Purchase and westward expansion, Congress used public land to build the nation. Millions of acres were granted to states to fund public schools, homesteaders seeking a better life, railroad companies connecting the country, Native tribes through treaties and settlements, and military veterans as payment for their service.
These land transfers shaped the America we know today, but they also left behind something even more valuable. The mountains, deserts, forests, canyons, and wild landscapes that remained became the foundation of our National Forests, National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and Bureau of Land Management lands.
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, understanding how these public lands came to exist is essential to understanding our nation's history and the responsibility we share in protecting them.
Join Fresh Tracks+ For Early Access - freshtracks.tv
Fresh Tracks Merchandise - shopfreshtracks.com
GOHUNT Gear Shop - Promo code RANDY for 10% off in the gear shop. bit.ly/46Jp5EW
GOHUNT INSIDER Use promo code RANDY to get $50 of store credit when you sign up for goHUNT INSIDER. bit.ly/481yo46
Kenetrek Boots- Buy a pair of boots and get a free pair of gaiters when promo code RANDY is used at checkout. Make sure that the gators are in your cart. kenetrek.com/pages/randy
Ollin Digiscoping System - Save 10% with promo code RANDY ollin.co
Outdoor Class - Save 15% on your membership with promo code RANDY15. watch.outdoorclass.com
Elkhorn Coffee Roaster - Save 15% on orders over $30 with promo code RANDY. elkhorncoffeeroasters.com
Alpacka Raft - Save 10% on some pack rafts with promo code RANDY. alpackaraft.com
MTN Tough - 30 Day Free Trial when using code RANDY. Be sure that monthly subscription plan is selected on the payment page.
lab.mtntough.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?code=randy&plan=monthly
PEAX Equipment: 10% Off PROMO CODE RANDY
