Pre-civil war pioneers crossed the great plains with no intention of stopping there to start a settlement. the post-civil war pioneers were intentionally moving to the great plains. what events made this area attractive?

The area was made attractive by the passing of the homestead act, the ability to farm and the discovery of mineral health. The homestead act encouraged western settlements united states by providing settlers including slaves to  a claim for up to 160 acres of federal land. In return the homesteaders were to pay a small fee and a continuous residence of five years before receiving complete ownership of the land.