Sure they can. Government deeded over ten million acres to members of my wife's tribe, then took it for back taxes. Often, the guy who delivered notice of the tax lien was on the same wagon as the one handing out deeds.
Now, just inflate the currency, reassess your property to compensate for inflation, and smack you with the tax bill.
While I agree it is great to have enough land for subsistence, don't put all your eggs in one basket.
See my tagline. One's purchase price buys one somewhat greater control over real property than an outright renter would have - for as long as the ultimate property owner, the government, allows one to exercise that control.