At the Library of Congress in Washington Monday morning, lawmakers and higher education officials celebrated the 150th anniversary of President Lincoln’s signing of the Morrill Act.
The then-controversial legislation established a system of land-grant universities, including the University of Vermont. It was the vision of Vermont Representative and later U.S. Senator Justin Morrill of Strafford.
Last week, the U.S. Senate approved a resolution co-sponsored by Senators Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders that launches this year’s anniversary celebration of the landmark legislation.
Leahy delivered the keynote address at the event Monday morning, commemorating the Morrill Act and its importance to American higher education.
"It is difficult to overstate the profound ways that the Morrill Act has improved the lives of countless Americans and enriched the nation," Leahy said. "Land grant institutions have opened the doors of affordable and accessible higher education to millions of students."
A commemoration in Strafford is scheduled for August.
VIDEO: Sen. Patrick Leahy Celebrates Legacy Of Justin Morrill