East Lansing in Ingham County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Nation's Pioneer Land-Grant University

Photographed by Joel Seewald, July 19, 2017

1. The Nation's Pioneer Land-Grant University Marker - Left Panel

Inscription.

The Nation's Pioneer Land-Grant University. . Left Panel. The Agricultural College of the State of Michigan was founded on February 12, 1855, as a bold experiment in higher education. The College opened the doors of higher education to the common man - and, later, woman - and brought science into everyday life by teaching the mechanical and agricultural arts alongside the liberal arts. Situated on 677 acres extending south of the plank road from Lansing, the campus took shape under the axes and spades of students themselves-between classes in chemistry, English, mathematics, and agriculture. A women's course focusing on "domestic economy" was added in 1896. Democratizing higher education on a rapidly developing frontier, the college quickly became a national model and was cited by advocates for a system of federal support. U.S. Representative Justin Smith Morrill of Vermont won congressional approval of such a measure as civil war splintered the nation. Right Panel. Signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln on July 2, 1862, the Morrill Act called for federal lands to be sold to fund colleges "where the leading object shall be, without excluding other scientific and classical studies and including military tactics, to teach such branches of learning as are related to agriculture and the mechanic arts." Designated Michigan's Morrill Act beneficiary in 1863, the institution that became Michigan State University introduced the nation's first course in scientific agriculture in 1865. It was an early milestone on a continuing journey of knowledge discovery and its application to everyday life. The Women's Building, which included a dormitory and was completed on this site in 1900, was converted into strictly instructional space in 1937 and named in Morrill's honor. In 2013, it was razed due to structural deterioration, and Justin Morrill's name was given to the university's historic Agriculture Hall. Panel 1 Image Caption: President Lincoln signing the Morrill Act. Stained glass, Alumni Memorial Chapel.

Left Panel The Agricultural College of the State of Michigan was founded on February 12, 1855, as a bold experiment in higher education. The College opened the doors of higher education to the common man - and, later, woman - and brought science into everyday life by teaching the mechanical and agricultural arts alongside the liberal arts.

Situated on 677 acres extending south of the plank road from Lansing, the campus took shape under the axes and spades of students themselves-between classes in chemistry, English, mathematics, and agriculture. A women's course focusing on "domestic economy" was added in 1896.

Democratizing higher education on a rapidly developing frontier, the college quickly became a national model and was cited by advocates for a system of federal support.

U.S. Representative Justin Smith Morrill of Vermont won congressional approval of such a measure as civil war splintered the nation.

Right Panel Signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln on July 2, 1862, the Morrill Act called for federal lands to be sold to fund colleges "where the leading object shall be, without excluding other

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scientific and classical studies and including military tactics, to teach such branches of learning as are related to agriculture and the mechanic arts."

Designated Michigan's Morrill Act beneficiary in 1863, the institution that became Michigan State University introduced the nation's first course in scientific agriculture in 1865. It was an early milestone on a continuing journey of knowledge discovery and its application to everyday life.

The Women's Building, which included a dormitory and was completed on this site in 1900, was converted into strictly instructional space in 1937 and named in Morrill's honor. In 2013, it was razed due to structural deterioration, and Justin Morrill's name was given to the university's historic Agriculture Hall.

Panel 1 Image Caption: President Lincoln signing the Morrill Act.
Stained glass, Alumni Memorial Chapel.

Erected by Michigan State University.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 12, 1855.

Location. 42° 43.991′ N, 84° 28.835′ W.

The Nation's Pioneer Land-Grant University Marker - Right Panel image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, July 19, 2017

2. The Nation's Pioneer Land-Grant University Marker - Right Panel

Marker is in East Lansing, Michigan, in Ingham County. It is on West Circle Drive north of East Circle Drive, on the right when traveling west. Marker is on the campus of Michigan State University, in Morrill Plaza. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 449 East Circle Drive, East Lansing MI 48824, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Mid-Michigan

and in Greater Lansing.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Women's Building (a few steps from this marker); Harry J. Eustace Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); "That a Ladies Course be Organized" (about 400 feet away); Saints' Rest / Saints' Rest Excavation (about 600 feet away); Michigan State University (about 600 feet away); The Rededication of the Beaumont Tower Bells (about 600 feet away); Justin S. Morrill Hall of Agriculture

The Nation's Pioneer Land-Grant University Marker - Right Panel, Left Image image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, July 19, 2017

3. The Nation's Pioneer Land-Grant University Marker - Right Panel, Left Image

Mechanical Course students work at iron lathes, 1892.

(approx. 0.2 miles away); Dora Hall Stockman (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in East Lansing.

Also see . . . Land-grant university. Wikipedia article (Submitted on August 11, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

The Nation's Pioneer Land-Grant University Marker - Right Panel, Right Image image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, July 19, 2017

4. The Nation's Pioneer Land-Grant University Marker - Right Panel, Right Image

Students tend to a vegetable garden, circa 1910. The Women's Building is seen in the background.

The Nation's Pioneer Land-Grant University Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, July 19, 2017

5. The Nation's Pioneer Land-Grant University Marker

The two panels of this marker are on the right side.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 11, 2017. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 1,288 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 10, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 4, 5. submitted on August 11, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.