What amount of land was granted to Confederate veterans or their widows?

The correct answer is 1,280 acres, which reflects the amount of land granted by the state of Texas to Confederate veterans or their widows as a form of compensation for their service during the Civil War. This benefit was part of a larger initiative in various states to honor and provide for veterans of the Confederacy.

This land grant system was designed not only to reward those who fought but also to encourage settlement in less populated areas of Texas by providing veterans with the means to establish themselves and contribute to the state's development. The specific amount of 1,280 acres aligns with land grant practices of the time, which often provided a substantial tracts of land to help in rebuilding lives after the conflict.

Understanding this context helps to appreciate the significance and the motivations behind land grants for veterans, recognizing how they were part of broader efforts to support the post-war community.