19th-century homesteading happened before people expected minimal utilities to be connected to their property. Even if you give all that free space out there to people, what good is it without water or electricity?
It is cheaper to install solar than run electric. For under $2,000 I have built solar systems that power an efficient fridge, led lightbulbs, normal electronics, and the occasional power tool (even stick welding). Thats only ~2 years of power bills.
I've also made a well drilling auger and manually dug a drinking well for only a few hundred dollars in parts. Many offgrid people collect rainwater into a cistern and meet their water requirements. If these plots were small enough it wouldn't be unreasonable to have one well that supplies 10+ houses.
I've also made a well drilling auger and manually dug a drinking well for only a few hundred dollars in parts. Many offgrid people collect rainwater into a cistern and meet their water requirements. If these plots were small enough it wouldn't be unreasonable to have one well that supplies 10+ houses.