What type of land ownership does the term 'Headright' refer to in Texas history?

The term 'Headright' refers to a system of land ownership in early Texas history that was specifically designed to allocate land to settlers. This system was established in the 19th century, particularly in relation to the colonization of Texas by Anglo settlers following Mexican independence. Under the headright system, each settler was entitled to receive a certain amount of land, typically based on the number of family members they brought with them. This encouraged migration and settlement in the relatively undeveloped regions of Texas.

The headright grants were significant because they were meant to encourage individual initiative and foster rapid growth in the population and economy of Texas. By offering land directly to those willing to settle and cultivate it, the government aimed to establish a sustainable and productive presence in the area.

In contrast, the other options deal with different aspects of land allocation. Military service grants are associated with land awarded for service in armed conflicts, public use land pertains to areas reserved for government and community activities, and sold land for profit refers to transactions in which land is bought and sold as a commercial endeavor. Each of these serves unique historical and legal purposes, but they do not encompass the foundational idea of the headright system geared towards promoting settlement in Texas.