Staking: This was the most common method and involved driving stakes into the ground at the corners of the claim. The stakes were usually made of wood or iron and were typically about 4 feet tall. They were often topped with a flag or other marker to make them more visible.
Digging: Another method of staking a claim was to dig holes at the corners of the claim. The holes were usually about 2 feet deep and 1 foot wide. They were often filled with rocks or other debris to make them more visible.
Plowing: Plowing a furrow around the perimeter of the claim was also a common way of staking it out. The furrow was usually about 1 foot deep and 1 foot wide. It was often filled with rocks or other debris to make it more visible.
Claiming: In some cases, pioneers would simply "claim" a piece of land by verbally declaring it to be theirs. This was usually done in the presence of witnesses. While this method was not as formal as the others, it was still generally recognized and respected.
The specific method used to stake a claim varied depending on the region and the individual pioneers. In some cases, pioneers would use multiple methods to ensure that their claim was well-established.
Regardless of the method used, staking a claim was an important part of the process of homesteading. It allowed the pioneers to establish their rights to the land and to protect it from being claimed by others.