1862 Colleges

The term "1862 Colleges" refers to institutions established under the Morrill Acts, specifically the Land-Grant College Act of 1862 in the United States. This legislation aimed to promote higher education, particularly in agriculture and the mechanical arts, by providing federal land to states. In return, states were to use the proceeds from selling this land to fund colleges that would educate citizens for practical professions. This initiative significantly expanded access to education and laid the groundwork for many public universities across the U.S., contributing to the development of a skilled workforce and supporting economic growth.