Being a survivalist doesn't mean you only prepare for roughing it in the wild, but also learning lifelong survival skills you can use on your homestead. Read on and find out how survival and homesteading come together in many ways!
The Ease Of Being A Survivalist On Your Own Homestead
Homesteading by definition means “To claim and settle land as a homestead”. (source) Life has become quite different since the introduction of the Homestead Act of 1862 in which the U.S. federal legislation permitted settlers to occupy a homestead on designated public land in the western states and own it after five years. (source) These brand new settlers would build homes, grow crops, make their own clothes, raise cattle…the list goes on and on.
Unfortunately, homesteading is slowly becoming a dying art, especially when it comes to large homesteads. For example, in my area of North Texas, family farms and other pieces of beautiful land are being purchased to make room for new housing subdivisions and retail stores. Large fields of corn, for example, are now stripped with a sign by the road that is pretty hard to miss. The signs usually read “(BUSINESS) COMING SOON”. It truly makes my heart sink every time I see one of those signs!
The Survivalist Way
As fellow survivalists, we look for ways to be and stay prepared. It’s our way of life. When disaster strikes, we are packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice. Our bug-out bags stay packed and ready to grab at all times. We have extra supplies such as water and blankets. We have fully stocked first aid kits in our homes, our vehicles, and our workplaces. We even have an emergency plan down to the very last detail in the case of any possible disaster. Did I forget anything? You may be thinking “Sounds like you covered everything!”
Homesteading As Part Of Survivalism…My Thoughts
I didn’t always have homesteading as part of my “survivalist mentality” but, as time goes by and the world continues to change daily, I realize that homesteading is just as important as everything else that we, as survivalists, do to be and stay prepared.
As survivalists, when we think of disaster, we think of a possible evacuation from our homes. In a lot of cases that is, unfortunately, the case. But, what if you were unable to evacuate your home in the midst of a disaster (for whatever reason) and you had to live off your own land? What if you had no access to the local grocery store to buy food and water, no access to the local gas station to put gas in your vehicle, no access to your local Wal-mart for needed supplies, no access to roads…..you have access to nothing outside of your home! Would you be able to survive long term without access outside of your own property?
The Reality Of It All
Now, I’m not usually one to purposely try to instill fear into anyone but, the reality is that our world is in chaos. There is no denying that. I see tragic events unfold daily on the news. It has made me realize that ANYTHING can happen at any given moment. If you’re like me, it leaves you with a feeling of uncertainty and a series of “what ifs”. For me, homesteading as a survival tool became an answer to one of my most recent “what if” moments…”What if I’m bound to my own home? Could I survive long-term?”. Like so many other survivalists out there, my honest answer as of right now is no, I don’t think I could.
I am prepared for a short-term evacuation. BUT, I’m going to be straight with you – I am not fully prepared for a situation where I possibly become bound to my own home for a long period of time. I think it’s safe to say that this goes for a lot of fellow survivalists out there. My opinion is that homesteading and survivalism go hand in hand. It’s all about self-reliance and self-sufficiency! It’s all about surviving!
Having thoughts of being self-sufficient nowadays? Watch this video to find out the reasons why!
In the next few months, I will be writing a series of articles on homesteading and it’s connection to basic and long-term survival. I will be (at times) learning alongside you, the reader. I will share every bit of my extensive research and my own personal knowledge as I go. I will also speak with homesteaders across the nation to bring their personal experiences to you as well.
There is always something we can learn from each other. In this field, in these crucial times where anything can happen…knowledge of survivalism on any level from anyone willing to be the teacher or student is so very valuable. Like I always say, “Having the knowledge and skill before you actually need it is how one survives.”
Do you consider yourself a survivalist who enjoys homesteading too? Please leave your tips and experiences in the comment section below.
Give a jump start on modern day homesteading- urban style and be guided with these 10 simple tips every urban homesteader needs to see!
It would be hard, and I would miss a lot of things, like fresh milk, since we don’t have a cow, but I think we could survive long-term without leaving our property. If the grid was down, I’d miss having internet, but with gravity-feed spring water, at least we’d still have indoor plumbing, too, lol.
FYI, facebook won’t let me share your article on our An American Homestead page.
Info on Homesteading Land,Thanks Jeff Schwersinske
While the era of large-scale homesteading has passed, its legacy endures. The descendants of homesteaders continue to shape the communities they established, and their stories serve as a testament to the resilience and determination of the American spirit.